Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the brave service of members of the regular and reserve components of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families; Whereas the House of Representatives hereby renews its commitment to support and thank these men and women for preserving our freedom so that Americans will always remember their crucial role in our history and our aspiration for a world protected under the banner of freedom; Whereas, though Americans are proud to show appreciation for the service of members of the Armed Forces and veterans, the real message should be direct and personal: Thank you for our freedom ; Whereas, at the close of World War II, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, selected Roy Butch Voris to form a Navy flight exhibition team, later to be known as the Blue Angels, and, as the First Blue Angel, Butch created an image that became symbolic of the United States Navy, American patriotism, and American freedom; Whereas one day, while having lunch with a fellow aviator and wearing his 1st Blue ball cap, someone walked by Butch’s table and said, Thank you for your service ; Whereas Butch’s friend realized that Butch was surprised so he explained that this was a phrase that people said to show appreciation for the military, and, without missing a beat, Butch announced for all to hear, He should thank us for his freedom ; Whereas Butch has since passed but his message should live on forever, and, in honor of all who currently serve in the Armed Forcecs, and our 20,000,000 living veterans, the House of Representatives proclaims that the best way to show recognition, respect, and honor for those who have and continue to put their lives on the line is to declare Thank you for our freedom ; Whereas our Nation has many sacred obligations, including preparation of, and support for, the troops sent into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home