08-R202

2008 -- H 8232

Enacted 05/01/08

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

DEDICATING THE 2008 HOUSE SESSION TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE RHODE ISLAND NATIONAL GUARD

Introduced By: Representatives Carter, Gallison, Costantino, Ucci, and Loughlin

Date Introduced: May 01, 2008

     WHEREAS, The Militia Act of 1903 organized various state militias into this country’s

current National Guard system. The Guard is divided into the Army National Guard, which is part

of the United States Army, and the Air National Guard, which is part of the United States Air

Force; and

     WHEREAS, The Guard is provided for by the Constitution of the United States and is

composed primarily of civilians, men and women from all walks of life, who set aside their day to

day lives, and answer the call to duty; and

      WHEREAS, The National Guard provides for the protection of life and property, and

preserves the peace, order and public safety of our communities during local or statewide

emergencies, such as storms, fires, earthquakes or civil disturbances; and

      WHEREAS, On a national level, the Guard participates in stabilization operations and

federal missions. They provide security during emergencies such as natural disasters or civil

disturbances, and national defense through the deployment of troops to the Middle East and other

locations in the war on terrorism. The Air National Guard also has total responsibility for air

defense of the entire United States; and

      WHEREAS, In May of 1638, freemen joined forces in the Town of Portsmouth to form a

militia known as the “Traine Band.” Originally established “...to perform certain military duties

in the protection of the people,” the group evolved through the years and eventually became the

Rhode Island National Guard; and

      WHEREAS, With courage and determination of purpose, the brave men and women of

today’s Rhode Island National Guard serve their country, state and community, bringing honor

and distinction not only to themselves, but to an entire world; and

      WHEREAS, During natural disasters and turbulent periods in the state and country’s

history, the Rhode Island National Guard has been at the forefront ensuring public safety; and

      WHEREAS, From the Rhode Island Militia’s stand against the tyranny of England,

through both World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm

to the country’s current War on Terror, the Rhode Island National Guard has fought and suffered

casualties in order to protect and preserve our freedom and liberty; and

      WHEREAS, As we meet during this 2008 session of the Rhode Island General

Assembly, let us pay homage to the courage and sacrifices of all the men and women, both past

and present, who wear the uniform of the Rhode Island National Guard, and let them know they

are appreciated and never far from our thoughts and prayers; now, therefore be it

      RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims that the 2008 Session of the Rhode Island House is

dedicated to the men and women who serve in the Rhode Island National Guard. Thank you and

God speed; and be it further

      RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Joint Force Headquarters, Command

Readiness Center, Cranston, Rhode Island and Representative Kenneth Carter, Chairman of the

House Veteran’s Affairs Committee.

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LC02821

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