Submitted Resolutions

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Oct. 11, 2004

SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS: SENATE RESOLUTION 468-DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 7, 2004, AS "NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS DAY" TO HONOR THE SERVICE OF NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF NATIVE AMERICANS TO THE DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES

Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. CAMPBELL, and Mr. INOUYE) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

S. RES. 468
Whereas Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the United States Armed Forces and defended the United States of America for more than 200 years;

Whereas Native Americans have served in wars involving the United States from Valley Forge to the hostilities in Afghanistan and Iraq;

Whereas Native Americans have served in the United States Armed Forces with the highest record of military service of any group in the United States;

Whereas the courage, determination, and fighting spirit of Native Americans have strengthened and continue to strengthen the United States, including the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas Native Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States, even in times when Native Americans were not citizens of the United States;

Whereas the establishment of a National Native American Veterans Day will honor the continuing service and sacrifice of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces; and

Whereas November 7th, a date that falls within the traditional observance of Native American Indian Heritage Month, would be an appropriate day to establish a National Native American Veterans Day: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate-

(1) honors the service of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces and the contribution of Native Americans to the defense of the United States;

(2) designates November 7, 2004, as "National Native American Veterans Day";

(3) encourages all people in the United States to learn about the history of the service of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces; and

(4) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to demonstrate support for Native American veterans.
Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined by Senators CAMPBELL and INOUYE in submitting a resolution to honor American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans for their service in the Armed Forces of the United States and to designate November 7, 2004 as "National Native American Veterans Day".

This is the second consecutive year that such a resolution has been introduced. November 7, 2003 was designated as National Native American Veterans Day in accordance with Senate Resolution 239. I was proud to join with Senator CAMPBELL, our distinguished chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and Senator INOUYE, the distinguished vice chairman of the committee, and others of my colleagues in cosponsoring that resolution. As the events of conflict in Iraq continue we all hope and pray for the safe return of the men and women who are overseas, far from home protecting our Nation and others.

We continue to honor the memory of Army Private First Class Lori Piestewa, a Hopi woman, who fought valiantly and bravely to protect her fellow soldiers during the invasion of Iraq. This year we also remember other Native people who lost their lives in Iraq over the past year. Army Sergeant Lee Duane Todacheene, Marine Lance Corporal Quinn A. Keith, Army Private First Class Harry Shondee, Jr, members of the Navajo Nation, and Army Private First Class Sheldon Hawk Eagle, Cheyenne River Sioux, whose Indian name was Wanbli Ohitika, or Brave Eagle. I apologize if I have failed to acknowledge a brave Native person who lost his or her life in Iraq.

Native people, and especially the Native people of my State of Alaska, revere, admire, and respect our veterans and those who continue to serve. They pray for ones still in battle, alongside their fellow Americans, so that they can have a safe journey back to their loving homes and families. They pray for the ones who have fought, and now, continue their journey through life's struggles.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.