Jim Ramstad: “I too pay tribute to Colonel Kline for your heroic service to the country that we all love. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in…”

“I too pay tribute to Colonel Kline for your heroic service to the country that we all love. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 371, to honor, congratulate and thank the brave men and women of the Minnesota National Guard on its 150th anniversary. The Minnesota National Guard represents the very best of duty, honor and country. I join the people of the Third Congressional District of Minnesota in thanking each and every Guard member, past and present, for their selfless service. Mr. Speaker, as has been pointed out by previous speakers today, the Minnesota National Guard traces its origins to the Pioneer Guard of the Minnesota territory in 1856, formed 2 years before Minnesota became the 32nd State. The 1st Minnesota Infantry was among the very first regiments to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops during the Civil War. {time} 1445 In fact, the 1st Minnesota Infantry had the highest casualty rate of any unit in the Civil War. The Minnesota National Guard went on to serve bravely in the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. The Minnesota National Guard also served with great distinction on the ground and in the air during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Minnesota Guard troops have helped keep the peace in the former Yugoslav republics.…”