US Rep. Frank Guinta introduces Joint Bipartisan Bill calling for National Moment of Silence on Veterans Day

WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of House and Senate Members today announced legislation to establish a two-minute moment of silence on Veterans Day to commemorate the sacrifice of United States veterans.  The bill was introduced jointly by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-MA) and Congressman Frank Guinta (R-NH).

The legislation was crafted in response to a request by Mr. Peter Bendetson, M.D., of Weston, Massachusetts, and his two sons, Michael Bendetson, a junior at Tufts University, and Daniel Bendetson, a senior at Weston High School.  The father and sons got the idea for the bill while visiting Israel, which honors its veterans with a national two-minute moment of silence.  The family found the experience deeply moving, and so after returning to the U.S. they approached Congressman Barney Frank and Senator Scott Brown about instituting a similar observance in the United States.

Frank and Brown agreed to organize efforts in Congress to introduce a bill, and quickly reached out to their colleagues.  They were soon joined by Senator Webb, a Marine combat veteran and former Secretary of the Navy, Senator Lieberman, a Subcommittee Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Frank Guinta, who represents a large veteran population in New Hampshire.  The six Members of Congress are the core group which will seek further bipartisan support for the bill.

The “Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act” would direct the President to issue a proclamation every year calling on Americans to observe a two-minute moment of silence at exactly 2:11 Eastern time on Veterans Day, which is celebrated on November 11^th. 

Congressman Frank will introduce the bill in the House; Senator Brown will introduce a concurrent, identical companion bill in the Senate.  The six members of Congress hope that it will pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the President before this Veterans Day on 11/11/2011.

“I was very impressed when Peter Bendetson and his sons came to me with this idea, and I’m pleased that there is a bipartisan effort to get the legislation enacted,” said Frank.  “It will add to our observance of Veterans Day in a very profound way.”

“Veterans Day is an opportunity for all Americans to come together to honor the service of those who have answered the call of duty to keep our nation free,” said Senator Brown. “I am pleased to join this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that all began when two kids from Massachusetts were inspired to find a new way to thank the veterans who served our nation.”

“This legislation renews a tradition that began after World War One, when the citizens of many countries would observe a moment of remembrance on the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month -- the moment the Armistice was signed,” said Webb. “It is an appropriate gesture to honor those who serve and have served.”

"A moment of silence and reflection is just one of the many ways we can show our deep gratitude for the countless sacrifices that veterans have made to secure our liberty," Lieberman said. "I am honored to join my colleagues to introduce this bill."

“This simple yet powerful recognition of our service members who have given their lives in defense of our country would be a highly appropriate addition to Veterans Day observances,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.  “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the months ahead on this issue.” 

“America can never repay its debt to the men and women who laid down their lives for our freedom,” said Congressman Guinta. “Pausing for two minutes every November 11^th is an important way of honoring their sacrifice and for keeping their memory alive in our hearts.”

Frist Portrait Unveiled At U.S. Capitol

Wednesday Karyn and I were honored to have my official portrait as Majority Leader unveiled at the U.S. Capitol. On a beautiful day in Washington, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues in the historic Old Senate Chamber, we unveiled the portrait painted by our personal friend and nationally recognized artist Shane Neal.

We were all particularly honored to have President George W. Bush make remarks, and to have former Vice President Cheney and former Secretary Don Rumsfeld and his wife Joyce with us. Senators Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell offered generous and kind words to top off the ceremony.

I also spoke briefly, thanking family and friends. My short message centered on the foundational philosophy of the citizen legislator, an idea my mentor and friend Majority Leader Howard Baker both embodied and promoted. Leaving the Senate and the Majority Leader position voluntarily, I do believe having fewer career politicians in Washington is the way to go and I know it would improve the worsening partisan rancor that sacrifices civility in our national discussions.

I pointed out that during the 50-year period between 1810 until 1859, during which the Old Senate Chamber was in use, 17 doctors were elected to the Senate. Contrast that to the half century of 1950 until 2000 there was only one doctor elected to the Senate, and that was me!

I was also proud to have a distinguished and sixth-generation Tennessean, Michael Shane Neal, paint the portrait that will now hang alongside so many historic figures in the Capitol. Shane has also painted portraits of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Senators Arthur Vandenburg and Robert Byrd (both in the Capitol) and most importantly our three sons Bryan, Jonathan and Harrison.

Finally, if you are reading this email, then I thank you for your generous support over all these years, without which we would never have made it to Washington. I hope you will continue to support me as together we strive together to heal disease, division, and difficulty in our world and improve K-12 education.

To read more about this proud day visit my website here and to see pictures of the event, visit me at "Senator Bill Frist" on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Senator Bill Frist, M.D.

BEDFORD REPUBLICANS TO HOLD RECEPTION FOR SENATOR SHEILA ROBERGE 7/28

BEDFORD — The Bedford Republican Committee will hold a reception for  Senator Sheila Roberge who is retiring from the NH Legislature after serving District 9 for the last 26 years. District 9 consists of the towns of Bedford, Greenfield, Lyndeborough, Merrimack, Mont Vernon, and New Boston. The reception will be held at the Manchester Country Club, 180 South River Rd, Bedford on Wednesday July 28th, from 6:00-8:00 PM. 

"We are pleased to take this opportunity to honor Senator Roberge for her dedication and service and invite her friends, family, and colleagues alike to join us" said Chairman Ray Chadwick.

Cost is $20 and there will be Hors D'Oeuvres served and a Cash Bar. RSVP to chairman@befordrepublicans.org 

Make checks payable to Bedford Republican Committee and send to 101 Powder Hill Road, Bedford 03110.



CHQ - Richard Viguerie: Please Remember Our Veterans

Richard Viguerie: Please Remember Our Veterans
ConservativeHQ.com - Please take a moment today to thank a veteran for their service in the military, and please keep all of our troops at home and overseas in your daily thoughts and prayers.  Veterans put their lives on the line to protect the freedom we so much enjoy.  This is why it is so important that at least one day a year, we honor their courage and sacrifice in doing what so few others do.  [Read the full Veterans Day Message here]

Other Articles at News From The Front:

Tea Partiers' 'Memo to GOP:' Get Back To The Basics
Reporting Michigan - "When Joan Fabiano gets a request for donations from the Republican National Committee, the conservative Lansing woman says instead of throwing it out, she wants to send it back with a message. Fabiano, leader of the Grassroots In Michigan tea party group, is starting a 'Memo To GOP' campaign on Sunday that would send the message that the emerging tea partiers want a more conservative GOP."

Two Conservative Champions In The House
Riehl World View - "Tired of listening to GOP media Starz (in their own eyes, anyway) rambling on about moderation, compromise, appeasement, and worse? Here's a quick read to warm your conservative heart. Are there really any card-carrying conservatives left in today's establishment GOP? And are they willing to speak up? It was nice to confirm for myself that, yes, there really are."

Find these articles and more at News From The Front

Daily Lickskillet: What "mistruths" is the Communist guest trying to correct?