[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF THE CONTINUING SERVICE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE 
        UNITS ACTIVATED IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a resolution honoring 
the continuing service and commitment of the members of the National 
Guard and Reserve units activated in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom. In the days following September 11th, it was the National 
Guard and Reserve who were present on our streets and in our skies. 
They were present in our airports and on our waterways. They were 
deploying overseas in support of active duty units. This is not the 
first time we have seen these heroes in action. They are our associates 
and neighbors, our friends and relatives. And yet to many of us, their 
presence means so much more now than it did before.
  We must honor the modern day Minuteman, for as our citizen-soldiers 
stand watch over us, they remind us that long before the phrase 
``Homeland Security'' was crafted, they were here to preserve liberty 
on the home front. They were there to support our Army, Navy, Marines, 
Coast Guard and Air Force. And they are still there, supporting our 
nation in this time of danger.
  This war against terrorism may be lengthy and difficult, and we may 
at times feel less than fully secure, but I stand here today to tell 
you that I rest easier with the knowledge that the National Guard is on 
the job. We owe the men and women who have left their families and jobs 
to heed this call a great deal, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting our National Guard and Reserve. Let us not allow a single 
Guard or Reserve member to join in this conflict, without knowing that 
the House of Representatives, and more importantly a grateful nation, 
holds them in the highest esteem, Let us pass this resolution now and 
give our heroes even greater strength to draw on in the difficult days 
ahead.

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