Rep. Santana offered the following resolution:   

House Resolution No. 241.

            A resolution to commemorate the 238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Navy.

            Whereas, On Friday, October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress, representing the citizens of 13 American colonies, passed a resolution which proclaimed that two sailing vessels be armed with ten carriage guns, as well as swivel guns, and manned by crews of eighty, and sent out to intercept enemy transports; and

Whereas, This was the original legislation out of which the Continental Navy grew and as such constitutes the birth certificate of the navy; and

Whereas, The founders recognized the essential nature of a Navy to the strength and longevity of the nation by providing authority to Congress "To provide and maintain a Navy'' in article I of the Constitution; and

            Whereas, The Continental Navy began a proud tradition, carried on by our United States Navy, to protect our nation and pursue the causes of freedom we hold so dear; and

            Whereas, The central mission of the Navy has been to protect the interests of our nation around the world on the high seas, to fight and win the wars of our nation, and to maintain control of the sea lines of communication enabling this nation and other free nations to grow and prosper; and

            Whereas, Whether in peace or at war, United States citizens around the world can rest assured that the United States Navy is on watch, ever vigilant, and ready to respond; and

            Whereas, Navy men and women, as both ambassadors and warriors, have won extraordinary distinction and respect for the nation and its Navy on the high seas, among the ocean depths, on distant shores, and in the skies above; and

            Whereas, The core values of "Honor, Courage, and Commitment'' are the guides by which United States sailors live and serve; and

            Whereas, The United States Navy today is the most capable, most respected, and most effective sea service in the world; and

            Whereas, Seventy-five percent of the land masses in the world are bounded by water and 75 percent of the population of the world lives within 100 miles of the sea, assuring that our Naval forces will continue to be called upon to respond to emerging crises, to maintain freedom of the sea, to deter would-be aggressors, and to provide our allies with a visible reassurance of the support of the United States of America; and

            Whereas, No matter what the cause, location, or magnitude of future conflicts, the nation can rely on its Navy to produce well-trained, well-led, and highly motivated sailors to carry out the missions entrusted to them: now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Navy; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the significance of the birthday of the United States Navy and expresses appreciation to the Navy, and the men and women who have served in the Navy for unsurpassed courage, commitment, and sacrifice.