[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H10173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL GUARD'S BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
the 382nd birthday of the National Guard.
  A component of the United States Army, the National Guard is 
primarily composed of citizen-soldiers who hold down full-time, 
civilian jobs or attend school. They serve their community and their 
country.
  Each U.S. State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, and the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands maintain 
both an Army National Guard and an Air National Guard.
  On December 13, 1636, the Massachusetts General Court issued an order 
requiring all able-bodied men between 16 and 60 years old to create a 
standing army for protection. With that order, what we now know as 
America's National Guard was born. The idea was simple: establish an 
army of citizen-soldiers who could be called upon to fight when needed.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend all those who join the ranks of the esteemed 
National Guard. They answer the call of duty to protect their community 
and their country. We are grateful for their service and proud of their 
commitment.
  Happy 382nd birthday to the National Guard.

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