| Remarks by Governor Kulongoski |
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| December 13, 2004 |
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Remarks by Governor Ted Kulongoski
Oregon National Guard 368th Birthday
State Capitol, Senate Chambers
Today we are gathered here for three very important purposes: Celebration, Rejuvenation and Recognition.
Today we Celebrate. We celebrate the contributions of men and women to keep the nation safe from foreign invaders, to go abroad to fight our countries enemies and to aid our allies, and to come to the aid of those in need due to disaster, natural or manmade.
For 368 years the National Guard has kept this country safe. Before there was an army, a navy, a marine corps or air force. In fact before there was a nation, there was the Guard.
It is fitting that at this ceremony that I read this poem:
“I am the Guard”
Civilian in Peace, Soldier in War...of security and honor for three centuries I have been the custodian...I am the Guard!
At Concord´s bridge, I fired the fateful shot heard ´round the world. I bled on Bunker Hill. My footprints marked the snows at Valley Forge. With Washington on the heights of Yorktown, I saw the sword surrendered...I am the Guard. These things I know - I was there! I saw both sides of the War Between the States - I was there!
The hill at San Juan felt the fury of my charge; the far plains and mountains of the Philippines echoed to my shout. In France the dark forests of the Argonne blazed with my barrage; Chateau-Thierry crumbled to my cannonade.
I am the Guard. I bowed briefly on the grim road at Bataan. Through the jungles and on the beaches I fought the enemy...beat, battered, and broke him. I scrambled over Normandy´s beaches - I was there! I flew MiG Alley to the Yalu - I am the Guard! I fought in the skies above Vietnam - I was there! In the skies and on the ground, I made the Arabian desert feel the fury of the storm. I am the Guard!
Civilian in peace, soldier in war...the stricken have known the comfort of my skill.
I have faced forward to the tornado, the typhoon, and the horror of the hurricane and the flood. I saw the tall towers fall - I was there!
I am the Guard. For three centuries the custodian of security and honor, now and forever...I am the Guard.
These words tell of a long and honored history. It is a history that was written not by Presidents or General, but by the duty, honor, strength and will of individual guardsmen and women.
In a few moments, this will become your history. Each of you will be a part of writing its next stanza.
You stand here with no allusions about what you may be asked to face. You stood forward and signed on the line knowing that the National Guard is playing an unprecedented role in the war against terror and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. And because of this I am especially proud of you.
I cannot tell you what will be added to the poem, but looking at you now, I do know that the stanzas that you write will be remarkable ones, fitting of the noblest traditions of the National Guard and the State of Oregon.
Today we rejuvenate. No organization - no matter how well founded, successful and strong – can long last without opening its doors to new strength, new ideas and new vision. Today on the 368 birthday of the guard, you will be making an oath to be part of that rejuvenation.
But part of rejuvenation is building upon what has come before. I can tell you that the Oregon National Guard is recognized as providing some of the best military units in the World. Our professionalism, our expertise and our willingness to take on the tough jobs sets the Oregon guard apart from others.
You are now going to become a part of that, and I am confident that you will not only live up to that reputation, but you will exceed it.
You are beginning your journey as citizen soldiers of the Oregon National Guard. But in celebrating the past, and welcoming the future, we must also recognize the efforts of the present.
The men and women currently serving bravely in the National Guard represent the best Oregon has to offer both in their strength of character and in their conviction to secure safety and peace at home and overseas.
It is because of these fine soldiers that we can fly our state flag and our countries flag with great pride and honor.
And it is my great honor to welcome you into their ranks – because I know you will only add to the Oregon National Guard’s reputation and tradition of excellence.
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