Senator Lisa Baker Honors Service, Sacrifice of
Pennsylvania National Guard
To honor today's units of the Pennsylvania
National Guard for their bravery and sacrifice, Senate Veterans Affairs and
Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-20) today offered a
Senate Resolution designating March 10, 2009, as "National Guard Day" in
Pennsylvania.
During
remarks on the Senate floor, Baker joined Adjutant General Jessica Wright in
calling on all Pennsylvanians to recognize the contributions of
Pennsylvania's National Guard – the largest national guard in the United
States.
"There is
something exceptional about the Pennsylvania National Guard," Baker said.
"Theirs is a proud history, going where they are called, when they are
called, whether thrown into combat zones, or into cleaning up after natural
or man-made disasters."
Baker also
recognized the service of Major General Jessica Wright – the first woman to
hold the important post of Adjutant General of Pennsylvania.
"General Wright has attained an impressive
record of accomplishments, earned the respect of her fellow soldiers, and
served Pennsylvania's veterans community with distinction," Baker said.
She added
that guard units have taken part in every conflict America has faced, from
the Revolutionary War through Operation Iraqi Freedom, and have been
involved in ongoing peacekeeping missions across the globe. Since
September 11, 2001, more than 17,000 soldiers and airmen have been deployed
in support of the Global War on Terror.
"Today,
Pennsylvania's National Guard units are highly trained, heavily deployed,
and hugely courageous," Baker said. "They are fully aware of the risks and
the sacrifices involved. These citizen soldiers make hard choices – to
leave behind spouses, children, parents, jobs, the comforts of home – to
protect us and to defend the principles of democracy."
Baker said such a record does not come
without cost. Since 9/11, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have
claimed 43 guardsmen and women in duty.
"We remember and memorialize these
individuals. Our hearts go out to those they leave behind, the families who
loved them, and the soldiers who served alongside them. We acknowledge too,
our obligation to those who suffer grievous injury in our service," Baker
said. "Today, tomorrow, and every day, we honor the Pennsylvania National
Guard for their service, we give thanks for their quality and character, and
we pray for their safety.
