In an editorial for the Washington Times retired army Generals William Richardson and William G.T. Tuttle urged the Senate to pass the Serve America Act. They spoke eloquently about the American people’s willingness to serve in times of need – and the diverse forms that service takes.

The story of America is the story of selfless service. From the heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy to the men and women who serve in the Peace Corps, our country has long been defined by our citizens’ willingness to enlist into missions greater than themselves.

Those who serve in different ways have too long been divided by politics, culture or geography. Whether people enlist in the Marine Corps or volunteer for Teach for America, they do so from love of country. This legislation, by formally connecting in word and deed the value of civilian service and military service, can at last begin the long process of making us one nation – a nation of service.

Gens. Richardson and Tuttle applauded the bipartisan bill not only for the expanded service opportunities it will create, but also for the ways in which it will scale up existing organizations, and leverage countless additional volunteers to provide “an extraordinary value for our dollar in a time of economic crisis.”

We would like to join General Richardson and General Tuttle, in urging the Senate to pass this important piece of legislation. For ways you can get involved, click here.

You can read Richardson and Tuttle’s editorial here.