Representatives Bell & Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Establish a National Day of the Deployed

October 26, 2026 Press Release The bipartisan resolution designates October 26 as a day of recognition honoring all U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families Congressman Bell: “The missed birthdays, the empty chair at the table, the long stretches without a phone call: those are sacrifices and an honorable commitment to this nation” Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the bipartisan National Day of the Deployed resolution. The legislation designates October 26 as a day of recognition honoring all U.S. service members currently deployed overseas and the families who support them at home. The observance formally recognizes the sacrifices made by deployed service members who serve far from home, often in harm’s way, as well as their loved ones who shoulder the burden of separation and uncertainty in their absence. “Every deployment asks something of the person in uniform and of the people waiting for them at home. The missed birthdays, the empty chair at the table, the long stretches without a phone call: those are sacrifices and an honorable commitment to this nation. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to join Rep. Bacon in making sure our service members and their families know that this country sees them and is grateful for their incredible sacrifices,” said Rep. Bell. "The American men and women who are deployed around the globe to protect and defend our national interests are the front lines of defense for our democracy,” said Rep. Bacon. “I gladly served and deployed for my country. The all-volunteer force underpins everything we hold sacred as a nation, and the fact that they and their families sacrifice so much for our freedoms is a testament to their dedication. This recognition of the ‘Day of the Deployed’ is the least we can do for them.” Missouri is a proud military state, home to Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman Air Force Base, and nearly 11,000 soldiers and airmen in the Missouri National Guard. Congressman Bell has long been a steadfast supporter of the men and women of our armed forces and currently serves on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. The resolution text can be found HERE .