Thursday, May 26, 2011

Senate Gives Unanimous Passage to Isakson Resolution
Honoring Soldiers for Service in Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate's unanimous passage of his resolution honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are deployed now or who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn in Iraq.

Isakson's resolution, S.Con.Res.13, passed unanimously on Wednesday, just days before the nation observes Memorial Day and months before the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011. Isakson serves on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

"The men and women in our country who have answered the call of duty of the United States have made tremendous sacrifices in leaving their homes and their families to serve our nation. In some cases, they have paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Isakson. "I hope all Americans will join me this Memorial Day in honoring the brave members of our Armed Forces who deeply deserve our gratitude for ensuring the safety and security of our country and our cherished freedoms."

Over 2 million members of the United States Armed forces have deployed since the commencement of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, and many have been deployed for multiple tours of duty. More than 5,500 troops have been killed while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, and tens of thousands have been seriously wounded in the line of duty.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller (FL-01), the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced an identical resolution in the House. H.Con.Res.45 also passed unanimously in that chamber.