[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 191 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, they are our neighbors, cousins, 
sisters, and friends. They are called upon to protect America at home 
and her interests abroad and do so with swiftness and dedication. From 
humble beginnings to one of the largest military forces in the world, 
the National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces and I 
rise today to celebrate their 375th birthday.
  Three regiments were established on December 13, 1636 by the 
Massachusetts General Court in Salem. The early colonies knew the 
freedoms they sought must be defended. Seeing a great need for the 
protection of able-bodied men, but having not the money to pay 
mercenaries, the North, South, and East regiments were organized with 
the promise to keep a ready state of mind and preparation to fight when 
needed. Almost four centuries later, the National Guard operates still 
by these same watchwords: ready and prepared. From the Mexican War to 
the Global War on Terror, the men and women of the National Guard have 
answered this nation's call to service.
  For 375 years, the citizen-soldiers of the Army National Guard have 
protected and defended this great land in times of war, times of peace, 
and times of calamity. We are ever-thankful for their dedication and 
watchful eye as they work to protect freedom and freedom's cause. I 
rise today to honor the National Guard and ask my colleagues to join 
with me in celebrating the three and a quarter centuries of swift and 
noble response.

                          ____________________