Mike Levin: “I am privileged today to introduce a concurrent resolution recognizing and honoring the National Guard on the occasion…”

“I am privileged today to introduce a concurrent resolution recognizing and honoring the National Guard on the occasion of the 365th anniversary of its historic beginning with the founding of the milita of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This resolution is cosponsored by all members of the Armed Services Committee, the Majority Leader, Senator Daschle, the Republican Leader, Senator Lott, the co-chairs of the U.S. Senator National Guard Caucus, Senators Leahy and Bond, and Senator Rockefeller. I invite all other members to join with me in cosponsoring this concurrent resolution. It is significant that we appropriately recognize the 365th anniversary of the National Guard, which serves our Nation 365 days a year. National Guardsmen and women respond to every crisis that affects American citizens, from natural disasters to terrorist attacks. As one of the Members of Congress who visited the ruins of the World Trade Center just days after the September 11th attacks, I will never forget that Guardsmen were among the first to respond. More than 4,000 Army National Guardsmen from New York rushed to lower Manhattan to help to remove debris, rescue victims, treat the injured, and provide security. Today, National Guard personnel are flying combat patrols over American cities; they are providing security at our nation's airports, and they even provide security for us here on Capitol Hill.”