[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 COMMENDING AND THANKING THE VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD FOR THEIR SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2021

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my sincere 
appreciation for the Virginia National Guard--especially those from 
Virginia's Seventh Congressional District. Members of the Virginia 
National Guard serve their country and their communities on a daily 
basis. Over the past months, the Virginia National Guard has deployed 
with little notice and often for longer than originally expected. I 
want to thank and honor the Virginia National Guard for its expeditious 
deployment after the violent, deadly attack on the United States 
Capitol and assault on American democracy on January 6, 2021 and for 
their service since then to maintain security. Members of the Virginia 
National Guard also played a key role in protecting an essential 
American tradition--the peaceful transfer of power. I truly appreciate 
the members of the Virginia National Guard for their service before, 
during, and after the Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the 46th 
President of the United States and Kamala D. Harris as the 49th Vice 
President of the United States.
  The Virginia National Guard's willingness and readiness to serve is 
particularly appreciated given the existing, significant strains on the 
Guard and on all Virginians. In addition to their service in 
Washington, D.C., I would like to recognize and honor the Virginia 
National Guard's instrumental role in assisting with the COVID-19 
response in the Commonwealth as well as its continuing training and 
deployment schedules. We must all recognize that the Virginia National 
Guard has continued to serve the United States overseas, and continued 
to prepare for forthcoming needs, while also deploying to serve 
American communities during a global pandemic and serve our nation in 
the face of threats at home. Additionally, we cannot overlook the 
commitment and contributions not only of the members of the Guard 
themselves, but also of their families, employers, and communities who 
make their service possible

                          ____________________