[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE NATIONAL GUARD

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in May we celebrate 
National Military Appreciation Month. This month we are reminded to 
actively honor and support all of our men and women in uniform who 
voluntarily risk their lives so we may achieve peace through strength.
  I would like to give special recognition to America's oldest military 
branch, the National Guard, which has celebrated 365 years of service. 
As a son of a World War II veteran, myself a colonel in the South 
Carolina Army National Guard and with three sons in the military, I 
have seen the service the Guard provides in defense of America's 
homeland.
  My colleagues are extraordinary people who train year-round and are 
ready at a moment's notice to leave their families and jobs to defend 
liberty. In South Carolina we are fortunate to have dedicated 
leadership with Adjutant General Stan Spears.
  Most recently in the war against terrorism, over 50,000 Guardsmen and 
women have been called to duty. Today's National Guard continues its 
historic dual mission: protecting life and property within our borders 
while providing units trained, equipment, and ready to defend the 
United States and its interests all over the globe.

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