Day of the Deployed resolution passes in Senate

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WASHINGTON --  Senator John Hoeven announced Oct. 18 that a resolution he introduced to continue honoring the nation's deployed service men and women with a Day of the Deployed has unanimously passed in the Senate.

Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in 2006 while serving as Governor of North Dakota and spearheaded the effort to bring the initiative to the national level this year.

The resolution calls on all Americans to reflect on the service of the nation's deployed service members and to offer support to their loved ones.

"Our U.S. service men and women currently deployed, along with their loved ones, make untold sacrifices as they serve our nation," said Hoeven. "A national Day of the Deployed pays tribute to their commitment to our country and their work to protect our freedoms. We want to ensure that our military members and their loved ones know of our appreciation and support before, during and after their service."

On Oct. 26, 2006, then-Gov. Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in support of Soldiers' Angels, a nonprofit organization that aids deployed American military personnel and their families. The effort spread, and in 2010, 40 states had proclaimed a Day of the Deployed.

"Working with John Hoeven on Day of the Deployed since 2006 in North Dakota has been an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families," said Shelle Michaels, Soldiers' Angels Deputy Director of Development. "Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them."

"More than 2 million Americans currently serve in the Unites States Armed Forces," Michaels continued. "These men and women are making great scarifies to ensure the safety and security of our great nation."

"I encourage people in North Dakota and across our nation to take a moment to recognize and celebrate America's heroes - our men and women in uniform," said Sen. Kent Conrad, a co-sponsor of the resolution. "They deserve our support and the thanks of a grateful nation."

Currently, more than 2.27 million people serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in the active Guard and Reserve components, with thousands of members deployed each year to 150 countries around the world.

The resolution calls on Americans to reflect on the service of the nation's soldiers and encourages ceremonies and activities on Oct. 26 to mark the Day of the Deployed.