Designating November 7, 2003, as `National Native American Veterans Day' to honor the service of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces and the contribution of Native Americans to the defense of the United States.

Whereas Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the United States Armed Forces and defended the United States of America for more than 200 years;

Whereas Native Americans have served in wars involving the United States from Valley Forge to the 2003 hostilities in Afghanistan and Iraq;

Whereas Native Americans have served in the Armed Forces with the highest record of military service of any group in the United States;

Whereas the courage, determination, and fighting spirit of Native Americans have strengthened and continue to strengthen the United States, including the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas Native Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States, even in times when Native Americans were not citizens of the United States;

Whereas the establishment of a National Native American Veterans Day will honor the continuing service and sacrifice of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces; and

Whereas November 7th, a date that falls within the traditional observance of Native American Indian Heritage Month, would be an appropriate day to establish a National Native American Veterans Day:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate

(1) honors the service of Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces and the contribution of Native Americans to the defense of the United States;

(2) designates November 7, 2003, as `National Native American Veterans Day';

(3) encourages all people in the United States to learn about the history of the service of Native Americans in the Armed Forces; and

(4) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to demonstrate support for Native American veterans.