Thomas Daschle: “Yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized Battery A, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field…”

“Yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized Battery A, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Mitchell, was among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. We must never forget them or the honor with which they served. This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the States on a per capita basis. These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud of them.”