To the Soldiers, Airmen, and Families of the National Guard
Last year, more
than 26,000 National Guardsmen deployed to Washington, DC, to support
the Presidential Inauguration. We stood watch by the iconic monuments
and memorials that characterize our Nation’s capital, protecting
the symbols of our Nation and its journey. There are many striking
images from that time, but one stands out.
It was January 18, and members of the 2nd Battalion, 124th
Infantry Regiment of the Florida National Guard were providing security
at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. A photographer captured
a moment of our Guardsmen standing before an engraving of Dr. King’s
wise and eternal words: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he
stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at
times of challenge and controversy.”
Our Nation is no
stranger to challenge and controversy. But there are men and women who
forsake comfort and convenience for the safety of their fellow
Americans, the betterment of our society, and the hope for a
brighter future. There are men and women who believe in the principles
of freedom and democracy, of equality and unity, of liberty and
justice. They are the living embodiment of Dr. King’s values and
vision. We are honored to call them members of our National
Guard.
Thank you for
answering every time our Nation, and our communities called. In times
of challenge and controversy, when our Nation needs us most, you stand
up and step forward: Always Ready, Always There.
Sincerely,
Daniel R. Hokanson
General, U.S. Army
Chief, National Guard Bureau
Tony L. Whitehead
SEA, U.S. Air Force
National Guard Bureau
