[Page H9384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      U.S. NATIONAL GUARD BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this Friday is the 383rd 
birthday of the U.S. National Guard. Established in 1636, the National 
Guard is the oldest military organization in America. Its members 
served during times of war and emergency to keep American families safe 
and secure.
  This anniversary allows us to come together to honor those who have 
risked their lives to protect our freedom. These sacrifices show that 
freedom is not free.
  South Carolina is fortunate for the service of Adjutant General Van 
McCarty appointed by Governor Henry McMaster in the tradition of 
retiring Adjutant General Bob Livingston.
  As a veteran of the Army National Guard and the father of three Army 
National Guardsmen who have served in Iraq, Egypt, and Afghanistan, I 
appreciate servicemembers, veterans, and military families. I am 
grateful for the resolve our servicemembers have to protect American 
families. I am thankful to celebrate this birthday of the militia 
filled with brave, self-sacrificing men and women.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

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