WHEREAS,  patriots from the District of Maine first mustered to form a militia to fight for the colonies in the Revolutionary War and for the nation during the War of 1812; and

WHEREAS,  the Maine National Guard has proudly served the citizens of the State during natural disasters such as forest fires, floods and storms and has bravely defended the United States of America during times of war since Maine first entered the Union in 1820, and over the years the highest percentages of volunteers have been Maine people; and

WHEREAS,  nearly 12,000 members of the Maine Army National Guard and the Maine Air National Guard have faithfully answered the call to duty in America's Global War on Terror; at times the State has had a larger percentage of personnel mobilized in support of that mission than any other state in the Union; and

WHEREAS,  members of the Maine Army National Guard and the Maine Air National Guard continue to defend freedom and democracy around the globe, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they are playing a vital role in protecting the safety and security of all Americans; and

WHEREAS,  the people of Maine have the utmost respect for the members of the Maine Army National Guard and the Maine Air National Guard for putting their lives in danger for the sake of the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans; and

WHEREAS,  the people of Maine are appreciative of the countless personal and professional sacrifices that the active volunteers of the Maine Army National Guard and the Maine Air National Guard and their families have made in order to protect our freedoms; and

WHEREAS,  since the tragic events of 9/11, countless Maine citizens have made sacrifices to serve and defend our country through the National Guard and to fight for our freedom, and 61 brave Maine citizens have answered the final call; now, therefore, be it