WHEREAS, The United States Military, Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, have been called to serve the nation in the Middle East following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and
     WHEREAS, In the course of service, the men and women of the United States Military have fought bravely for a cause greater than themselves, sacrificing life and health, and the comforts of home and loved ones; and
     WHEREAS, Military families have endured significant losses; children have sacrificed the gentle embrace of a parent, husbands and wives have sacrificed time with each other, and mothers and fathers have sent their sons and daughters to war; and
     WHEREAS, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have been called upon to serve this nation in the mountains of Afghanistan, deserts of Iraq, and along the rivers, streams, and in the oceans' waters and the skies above; they have answered this call proudly and carried out their duties admirably; and
     WHEREAS, The cause of democracy and international security has sustained the mission of the nation and the servicemen and women who serve it, their commitment to freedom has weathered the storms of death and has been weighed on the scales of righteousness and found to be just; and
     WHEREAS, Regard for one's own interest has been laid down for the will of the nation and the benefit of others, American soldiers continue the struggle for a free, secure, and independent Middle East; and
     WHEREAS, Elections in Afghanistan and Iraq are great victories for democracy and peace, they signal the beginning of a new era whose birth was born of the pains endured by the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq and by American soldiers and their families;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington eagerly await the return of our nation's bravest heroes, the sons and daughters, men and women serving in the United States Military; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That it is with great respect and admiration that we honor the men and women of the United States Military; we pray for their safe return; and for their service, sacrifice, and courage we say, thank-you; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to General Lowenberg, Washington State National Guard; General Michael W. Hagee, Commandant United States Marine Corps; The Honorable Francis J. Harvey, Secretary of the United States Army; The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral Thomas H. Collins Commandant, United States Coast Guard; and The Honorable Peter Teets, Secretary of the Air Force.