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Floor Speech

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Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, ``Always ready, always there.'' That is the motto of the Illinois National Guard. And for 300 years, in times of war and peace, it has lived up to that promise.

As the Illinois National Guard celebrates its 300th anniversary, we thank our citizen soldiers for their service and their sacrifice.

If you want to see the selfless character of the Illinois National Guard, just take a look around the Senate because you will spot my colleague Senator Tammy Duckworth, former Lt. Col. Tammy Duckworth of the Illinois Air National Guard.

Senator Duckworth almost gave her life when the Black Hawk helicopter she was copiloting was hit by an RPG in Iraq. But it didn't diminish her will to serve our State and our Nation, and I am lucky to have her as my colleague.

The Illinois National Guard traces its history of service to May 9, 1723, when a local militia completed its first exercise in Kaskaskia, IL. Back then, Illinois was still a French territory. Since then, the citizen soldiers of the Illinois National Guard have protected our State and Nation at home and abroad.

When the Mississippi River overflows its banks or when we are faced with other natural disasters, it is the Guard that we call. And its members have served with honor and distinction throughout its history.

During the American Revolution, Illinois' militia members fought under the heroic command of Col. George Rogers Clark to oust the British from Illinois.

Illinois' most famous member of the National Guard was a man named Abraham Lincoln, who served during the Black Hawk war in the 1830s.

During the Mexican-American War, a young Army officer served as assistant quartermaster in the 21st Illinois Infantry Regiment. He went on to lead the Union forces to victory in the Civil War. His name was Ulysses S. Grant.

Later, Illinois' 370th Infantry Regiment earned the distinction of being the only Army unit commanded mainly by African-American officers in World War I, and members of the Illinois Army National Guard served bravely in World War II, the Korean war, Vietnam war, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

More recently, Illinois National Guard members were activated during the COVID-19 pandemic as the world grappled with that virus; and after the U.S. Capitol was attacked on January 6, National Guard members were dispatched to help restore order.

In the most challenging times, the Illinois National Guard continues to be ``Always ready, always there.'' I am confident they will be for many years to come.

This month, their sacrifices are remembered throughout our State; and on behalf of a grateful State and Nation, I want to commend Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard, and all the men and women of the Illinois National Guard on the occasion of this momentous anniversary.

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