Michele Bachmann: “as the Army Reserve celebrates its centennial, I rise to congratulate the Reserve on its dedicated service and sacrifice…”

“as the Army Reserve celebrates its centennial, I rise to congratulate the Reserve on its dedicated service and sacrifice to ensure our Nation's freedom. Since its inception on April 23, 1908, the Reserve and its more than 1 million citizen-soldiers have protected American citizens at home and abroad. When tyranny raises its fist and liberty is threatened, the citizen-soldier answers the call to ease the suffering. For this, our Nation is forever grateful. Today, more than 20,000 Army Reserve soldiers are deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and 18 other countries, with an additional 7,000 Army Reserve serving in the United States. In my home State of Minnesota, historic Fort Snelling is the proud home to the 88th Regional Readiness Command, comprised of Reserve units from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. America's greatness lies in her people, and the American soldier is the embodiment of hard work, patriotism and service, the finest of America's principles. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize today the selfless commitment and sacrifice of so many citizen-soldiers. It is they who lay down their lives to defend those who cannot defend themselves. It is they who lay down their lives to protect the rights of those who disrespect our flag and our Nation. And it is they who lay down their lives so that true freedom will never know extinction.”