WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced a resolution to commemorate the 70th anniversary of White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in September 2015. The resolution recognizes WSMR's unique place in history and its national security importance.
"White Sands Missile Range helped bring the United States and the world into the modern technological age, and remains at the forefront of research and development today," Udall said. "The range serves every branch of the military and is home to the world's best airspace for military testing, which helps our country maintain its technological advantage. I'm committed to ensuring that the men and women of White Sands have the tools they need to carry out their important national security mission well into the future."
"White Sands Missile Range's mission remains as pertinent to national security today as it was in 1945. It is the premier research, development, test, and evaluation facility, and employs more than 13,000 civilians and service members in New Mexico," Heinrich said. "I am truly grateful to all the men and women in uniform and their families who have contributed to White Sands Missile Range's vibrant 70-year history of keeping our nation safe."
The resolution also praises White Sands Missile Range for hosting the Annual Bataan Memorial Death March. The memorial event is a challenging 26.2-mile march through the high desert terrain of White Sands, conducted in honor of the heroic service members, including the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery Regiment of the National Guard, who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health and, in many cases, their lives.
Senator Heinrich will participate in the 26.2-mile Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at WSMR this Sunday, March 22, 2015.
A full text version of the resolution is available here .
