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For Release: Immediate
Date: December 11, 2001 |
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For additional information contact: Andrew Sleeth North Carolina National Guard Office of Public Affairs 4105 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 Phone:(919) 664-6544
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For Release: Immediate
Date: December 11, 2001 |
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For additional information contact: Andrew Sleeth North Carolina National Guard Office of Public Affairs 4105 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 Phone:(919) 664-6544
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GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS DEC. 13 "NATIONAL GUARD DAY" HONORING GUARD'S 365th BIRTHDAY
RALEIGH -- Gov. Michael F. Easley has proclaimed Thursday, Dec. 13 as "National Guard Day" in North Carolina.
The proclamation celebrates the National Guard and its beginnings 365 years ago as the community militia in colonial America. It also recognizes the continued dedicated service of North Carolina's nearly 12,000 Army and Air National Guard members who, like the founders of the colonial militias before them, serve the state and the nation by protecting the lives and property of their families, friends and neighbors.
"In times of national tragedy, our nation and our people must be protected. That is the duty and the honor of the National Guard," Easley said. "Right here at home, Guard members are providing an armed and visible presence to protect us in North Carolina's airports. We are safer and more secure in our homeland thanks to the National Guard."
"The governor's proclamation is appropriate recognition for the centuries-long history of service our well-regulated militia has made on behalf of people here and abroad," said Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram, Jr., adjutant general and commander of the North Carolina National Guard.
Since early October, when Easley activated soldiers and airmen from the Guard to augment security forces at the state's 12 commercial airports, this vital reserve component with a unique dual, state and federal mission has played an increasingly greater role in protecting North Carolinians, defending the homeland and contributing to the nation's war on terrorism.
Currently, the North Carolina National Guard has more than 600 members on duty, or preparing for duty, around the country and the world in support of the war on terrorism and homeland defense. Ten more are serving in Bosnia as part of the Balkans peacekeeping mission.
"It is for these reasons and many more that I am proclaiming December 13, 2001 as National Guard Day in North Carolina, and I urge all citizens to thank these men and women for their service," Easley added.
A division of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, the North Carolina National Guard has 98 armories in 75 counties.
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