Honor America Days

Honor America Days

Rep. Boozman's Column for the Week of June 28, 2004

Each year Congress designates the 21 days between Flag Day and Independence Day as "Honor America Days." From June 14 to July 4, Americans everywhere attend gatherings and activities to celebrate and honor our great nation. One of the many ways for people to demonstrate patriotism is through continued support of the men and women of the United States armed services.

In my time in Congress, I have had the chance to visit with a number of veterans and soldiers who have valiantly defended our nation. Each of these men and women sacrificed their personal interests for the greater cause of freedom. Though every soldier's story is unique, they have all made enormous sacrifices, and they are America's most shining example of unity, commitment, and bravery.

Historically, the United States has always been a proud defender of freedom to the world. In World War I, our troops fought bravely alongside the Allied Forces, demonstrating an assertiveness and cooperative spirit that other nations came to admire. When the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II, our nation's leaders discovered a generation of heroes ready to protect and defend freedom. In Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, we continued this legacy of leadership and service by defending liberty at promoting freedom.

Now, that commitment continues as the men and women of U.S. military defend us from the threat of radical Islamic terrorists. Arkansas is definitely pulling its load in the War on Terror. There are 3,500 Arkansans stationed in Iraq. We have the 11th highest percentage of troops mobilized. This includes the 39th Infantry Brigade, which has units based in my district. They are doing extremely dangerous work in Iraq, including guarding ammo depots from terrorists and conducting door-to-door searches.

While these troops are our first line of defense abroad, we need to keep in mind that they are family members, friends, and co-workers of many Arkansans and they need our support. Our encouragement can be demonstrated through sending letters and needed supplies; reaching out to neighbors with family members serving abroad; and, most importantly, expressing pride for our American soldiers.

As the Fourth of July approaches, it is important that we recall all the servicemen and women who embody the ideals that make our country great. While we enjoy the warm weather and the festivities of the summer, let's take time to honor the heroes who have fought for and defended all the freedoms we have today, and let us not forget the thousands of brave Americans that are stationed in Iraq and around the world.