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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 799 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 799

  Honoring the Virgin Islands National Guard on its 50th anniversary.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 19, 2023

            Ms. Plaskett submitted the following resolution

                            October 25, 2023

              Referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
  Honoring the Virgin Islands National Guard on its 50th anniversary.

Whereas the Virgin Islands National Guard was founded on October 19, 1973, in a 
        ceremony officiated by Major General La Vern E. Weber, Director of the 
        United States Army National Guard;
Whereas October 19, 2023, marks 50 years since the Virgin Islands National Guard 
        was established;
Whereas the founders of the Virgin Islands National Guard, who were veterans of 
        foreign wars, believed that the territory of the Virgin Islands was 
        vulnerable and in a general state of unreadiness following the 
        incorporation of the Virgin Islands as a territory of the United States;
Whereas the Virgin Islands National Guard and the thousands of members who have 
        served in the Virgin Islands National Guard have made a vital 
        contribution to the national defense of the United States over the last 
        50 years;
Whereas the Virgin Islanders in the United States Armed Forces have served and 
        fought in every major United States military conflict of the 20th and 
        21st centuries;
Whereas, dating back to Hurricanes David and Frederick in 1979, the Virgin 
        Islands National Guard has aided in disaster relief efforts and 
        responded to major disasters, including Hurricane Hugo, Hurricane 
        Marilyn, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas the Virgin Islands Army and Air National Guard have served and fought in 
        major United States military conflicts since 1973, including Operation 
        Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom;
Whereas, in response to the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, the 
        Virgin Islands National Guard was deployed to missions worldwide, 
        including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo, Haiti, and Cuba;
Whereas members of the Virgin Islands National Guard have made the ultimate 
        sacrifice in their valiant service to the Nation, including two 
        servicemembers who were killed in action while serving in active duty 
        during Operation Iraqi Freedom;
Whereas in keeping with the National Guard's motto of ``Always Ready, Always 
        There!'', the members of the Virgin Islands National Guard aided law 
        enforcement in creating a secure environment for the 59th inaugural 
        ceremonies;
Whereas, throughout their deployments to the National Capital Region in early 
        2021, the members of the Virgin Islands National Guard were instrumental 
        in securing the peaceful transfer of power, one of the hallmarks of our 
        Republic;
Whereas the members of the Virgin Islands National Guard completed their mission 
        while also responding to, and working to mitigate, the effects of the 
        COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas members of the Virgin Islands National Guard serve their country and 
        their community on a daily basis;
Whereas members of the Virgin Islands National Guard have served as ambassadors 
        on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands and the United States 
        throughout the world in times of peace and war;
Whereas the Virgin Islands Army National Guard and Air National Guard embody the 
        values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, 
        and personal courage; and
Whereas the members of the Virgin Islands National Guard and their families 
        deserve commendation for their sacrifices and dedication over the last 
        50 years: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors and commends the Virgin Islands National Guard 
        for its 50 years of outstanding service to the Virgin Islands 
        and the United States; and
            (2) sends its sincere gratitude to the thousands of men and 
        women who have served in the Virgin Islands National Guard for 
        their contributions to their country and their community.
                                 <all>
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