[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SALUTE TO THE 147TH FIELD ARTILLERY

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, Thursday, May 22, the 5th U.S. Army 
demobilized Battery C, 2nd Battalion of the South Dakota National 
Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, from Redfield and Miller, was 
among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to 
active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South 
Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world 
wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new 
generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every 
sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. 
We must never forget them or the honor with which they served.
  This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South 
Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to 
active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World 
War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 
communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon 
in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, 
our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the 
States on a per-capita basis.
  These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud 
of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to 
participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who 
suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with 
financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a 
Statewide effort, in many ways.
  South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our active duty 
forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate 
directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But 
we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if 
our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. 
Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the 
work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic 
infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes 
a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic 
government. This is how we can win the peace and save future 
generations from another conflict.
  In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to 
acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed 
home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and 
inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our 
gratitude.
  Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in 
celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 
147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic 
event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for 
your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country 
and its ideals.

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