[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMENDING THE MEMBERS OF THE GEORGIA NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2021

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to 
extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Georgia National Guard 
who were deployed to the District of Columbia and the National Capitol 
Region for 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.
  Since 1636, the National Guard has consistently served the American 
people in much-needed roles that range from homeland defense, overseas 
combat, humanitarian aid, and defense support for civil authorities.
  As all of us are aware, sustained military operations worldwide, 
coupled with declining numbers of active-duty personnel, have required 
the Department of Defense to rely more and more on the use of the 
Georgia National Guard. Following the violent and deadly attempted coup 
at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, 2,284 members from the 
1st and 2nd Battalions of the 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry 
Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard, and the 116th and 
165th Security Forces Squadrons of the Georgia Air National Guard 
selflessly arrived in Washington, D.C. in the midst of the COVID-19 
pandemic--risking their health and safety in multiple ways to do their 
duty. Their mission was to aid and support the United States Capitol 
Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, 
the United States Secret Service, the United States Park Police, and 
other Federal law enforcement agencies as they worked to keep our 
nation's capital secure after its occupation by domestic terrorists.
  In keeping with the National Guard's motto of ``Always Ready, Always 
There,'' these citizen-soldiers from Georgia were committed and ready 
on a moment's (short) notice to protect the U.S Capitol and ensure that 
there was a peaceful transfer of power on January 20 in response to 
their deployment orders. Thanks to these brave men and women from 
Georgia, there were no incidents of violence that threatened the 
inaugural ceremonies. There is no doubt in my mind that their service 
prevented further loss of life and threats against our democracy. At 
one of our darkest times, the Georgia National Guard was there to 
protect America--from all enemies foreign or domestic.
  Madam Speaker, I am very proud of the Georgia National Guard. Because 
of their service, the will of the People was honored, and the 
institutions of our government remain intact. I ask my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives to join me and the people of Georgia, in 
extending our sincerest appreciation, pride, and utmost gratitude to 
the Georgia National Guard, the Adjutant General of Georgia Thomas 
Carden, and his staff, for their outstanding work, morale, and 
dedication to duty during the inauguration.

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