On Memorial Day, Norton Announces Resolution Honoring D.C. Servicemembers Who Died Serving Their Country without Full Citizenship Rights
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Before Congress recessed, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), in advance of Memorial Day, introduced a resolution honoring the sacrifices of District of Columbia servicemembers who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces without full and equal rights.
"Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend this country and our values, perhaps none more important than our democratic rights and freedoms," Norton said. "However, the men and women in uniform from the District of Columbia who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country did so without the full and equal rights endowed to other American citizens, with whom they served. Congress should honor D.C.'s fallen heroes by removing the stain of denied democracy to the District of Columbia and making D.C. the 51st state."
Norton's full resolution is below.
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the denial of full voting rights in Congress for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District of Columbia residents.
Whereas on the last Monday of May, our Nation observes Memorial Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who died in the service of their country;
Whereas the service and sacrifice of the active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families is unparalleled;
Whereas the civilian population of the United States has the honor and privilege of being protected by the active duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists;
Whereas the active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans have risked life and limb to protect the American people and uphold the rights and freedoms of the people of the United States;
Whereas approximately 30,000 veterans are residents of the District of Columbia and lack full voting rights in Congress;
Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought to create the United States, fighting for the Revolutionary War slogan of "No Taxation Without Representation," and have served in every war since;
Whereas 243 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Vietnam War, more than 10 states;
Whereas 547 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Korean War, more than 8 states;
Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, more than 3 states;
Whereas 3,575 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War II, more than 4 states;
Whereas 192,406 District of Columbia residents have served in the military since World War I;
Whereas residents of the District of Columbia, including active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans are denied full voting representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate; and
Whereas Congress should pass H.R. 1291, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which would grant full and equal voting representation as well as democratic control over local affairs to the District of Columbia by making it the 51st State: Now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the denial of voting rights in Congress for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District residents.