Presenter
Presented by Mr. Ricciardi
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WHEREAS, as of early as March 2004, over 114,000 US personnel were deployed in Iraq. Over 26,000 United States and Coalition personnel were deployed in Kuwait, providing logistical support to Operation Iraqi Freedom. As of mid-April 2004, the number of troops in the Central Command Area of Responsibility was officially estimated at between 200,000 and 225,000; and
WHEREAS, an additional 30,000 soldiers are estimated to be operating in Kuwait and other areas of the region supporting operations in Iraq. It is also estimated that 17,900 US Service Members have been deployed to Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, since Iraq combat operations have been declared in May 2003, nearly 3,000 servicemen and women have been wounded in action. More than half that number did not return to duty, reflecting the number of combat casualties and serious nature of injuries; and
WHEREAS, so far a total of 1037 United States service members have been killed in Iraq and 135 killed in Afghanistan; and
WHEREAS, Cycle Source Magazine, in conjunction with the Sons of Liberty Riders-Region 1 and Nikki Mendicino have all come together to hold a Rally for Freedom II at Fort Duquesne, Point State Park on Sunday October 3, 2004 to show their support of our family and friends in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, this ride will show the men and women of the Armed Forces that they are all in our thoughts and prayers and that we pray for their strength of mind and their safe return home.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Cycle Source Magazine, the Sons of Liberty Riders-Region 1 and Nikki Mendicino for organizing this day for us to show how we appreciate the veterans of our Armed Forces of yesterday, today and tomorrow as they preserve the peace, liberty and justice in our homeland.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that today be hereby declared "Support Our Troops Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.