Rep. Jones calls for monthly moment of silence to honor war dead

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones introduced a resolution this week calling for a monthly moment of silence to honor veterans killed or wounded in the war.

The moment of silence would be held in the U.S. House of Representatives and would also honor the families of those veterans killed or wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan.  

It would serve as "a solemn thank you from a grateful nation," Jones said.

 "Each of the men and women who wear the uniform in defense of our nation is an American hero," Jones said in a prepared statement. "We must never forget that many members of the U.S. Armed Forces have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives to defend the freedoms that all Americans enjoy today. For their courage and selfless commitment to duty, these service members deserve our gratitude and unwavering support."

The resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from California who worked in former President Ronald Reagan's administration.

Jones' resolution, introduced Thursday, came on the heels of a North Carolina Republican primary that was watched nationwide.

Some political pundits believed Jones' call for a troop-withdrawal timetable could cost him his 3rd District seat. He defeated his challenger, Joe McLaughlin, garnering about 60 percent of the votes.

Jones' resolution is in the House Rules Committee.