On the recordDecember 13, 2011
Today I rise to wish a very happy birthday to our National Guard. As the only active noncommissioned officer in Congress, this anniversary is a landmark that I am personally very proud of. Three hundred seventy-five years ago today, on December 13, 1636, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem declared that all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to join the militia. These men were called upon when needed, and we proudly continue this tradition of citizen service. Today our National Guard soldiers are called upon to serve both here in our communities and around the world in support of our current overseas operations. Our Nation's citizen soldiers dedicate themselves to the defense of our Nation both here and abroad. I personally would like to thank all of my fellow Guardsmen for the job they are doing, and thank you to all of our men and women in uniform, and especially their families. Thank you, happy birthday, and God bless. ____________________
