U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) have introduced a bipartisan resolution in Congress to establish October 26 as a national day honoring U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families.
The proposed observance aims to formally recognize the sacrifices of those serving abroad, as well as the challenges faced by their loved ones at home during periods of separation and uncertainty.
“The American men and women who are deployed around the globe to protect and defend our national interests are the front lines of defense for our democracy,” said Rep. Bacon. “I gladly served and deployed for my country. The all-volunteer force underpins everything we hold sacred as a nation, and the fact that they and their families sacrifice so much for our freedoms is a testament to their dedication. This recognition of the ‘Day of the Deployed’ is the least we can do for them.”
“Behind every service-member serving abroad is a family that serves alongside them,” said Rep. Bell. “Everyday, our men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend our freedoms and democracy. A national day of recognition for their service and for their families is a simple but meaningful way to say thank you—to acknowledge their courage, commitment, and sacrifice, and to remind the country that freedom requires service, both seen and unseen.”
Don Bacon has represented Nebraska’s 2nd district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Brad Ashford. He was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963, currently resides in Papillion, holds degrees from Northern Illinois University (1984) and the University of Phoenix.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
