Political Quotes

“Today I rise to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the National Guard. As ceremonies are held across the country to celebrate this historic milestone, I wanted to pay tribute to our National Guard for the enormous contributions it has made to our country throughout the course of its proud history. The origin of the National Guard traces its roots back to the militias of the 13 original English colonies. The oldest units were organized on December 13, 1636, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. As the motto of the National Guard so aptly puts it, the force is ``Always Ready, Always There.'' Our Constitution bestows on the National Guard dual State and Federal missions. Whether aiding State law enforcement, responding to a national emergency or catastrophic natural disaster, or serving alongside our Active-Duty Forces overseas, the National Guard has always been and continues to be a force on which we can depend, in wartime and in peacetime. Rhode Island has a distinguished record of National Guard service, which began in 1638 when the first colonial defensive force was established in Portsmouth, RI. The militia, which was known as the Traine Band, was formed to provide protection and security for the people. The group eventually evolved into the Rhode Island National Guard. It was the Rhode Island militia that first engaged in offensive action against England during the lead up to the Revolutionary War.…”