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SJ 408

Commending the United States Army.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lashrecse Aird and 116 co-sponsors

The bill commends the U.S. Army for its 250th anniversary, recognizing its historic role and Virginia-based installations without policy or funding changes.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ408ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 408

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution SJ 408 (Enrolled SJ408ER)

Commending the United States Army on its 250th anniversary

Purpose and intent

  • SJ 408 is a ceremonial, non-binding resolution of the Virginia General Assembly that commends the United States Army on the occasion of its 250th anniversary.
  • The resolution recognizes the Army as the "first and oldest national institution" of the United States and highlights its historical role from the Revolutionary era to the present.
  • It expresses admiration for the Army’s contributions to the formation, growth, and defense of the United States and notes the Army’s enduring mottoes and cultural impact.

Key provisions

  • Operative clause: The General Assembly hereby commends the United States Army on the occasion of its 250th anniversary; and directs that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation to the National Museum of the United States Army.
  • Preamble content (WHEREAS clauses) summarizes:
    • The Army’s origins dating to June 14, 1775, and its long-standing role in American history.
    • The Army’s evolution through major historical periods (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, world wars, Cold War, and post-9/11 conflicts).
    • The Army’s longstanding slogans and ethos (“This We'll Defend,” “Be All You Can Be”) and the ongoing influence of Army veterans in public life.
    • The Commonwealth’s connection to the Army through major Virginia installations (e.g., Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Belvoir, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story).
    • Upcoming 250th-anniversary commemorations (e.g., June 14, 2025, Army birthday; a Tournament of Roses Parade float; National Museum exhibits and programs at Fort Belvoir).
  • Non-controversial, commemorative purpose with no mandate for policy changes or funding.

Affected parties and entities

  • The United States Army (federal branch) and its veterans.
  • The Commonwealth of Virginia and residents, particularly communities around Army installations listed.
  • National Museum of the United States Army (Fort Belvoir), which is designated to receive a copy of the resolution.

Procedural timeline

  • Introduced: February 17, 2025.
  • Passed the Senate: February 19, 2025 (agreed by voice vote).
  • Passed the House of Delegates: February 20, 2025 (agreed by voice vote).
  • Enrolled: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ408ER) completed by March 3, 2025.
  • Final status: Enrolled SJ408ER, commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary.

Significance

  • The bill serves as a formal, public acknowledgment by Virginia’s legislative body of the Army’s historical importance and ongoing contributions.
  • It helps highlight Virginia-based Army installations and aligns with broader national commemorations of the Army’s 250th birthday.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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