COMMENDATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE

SEC. 1433. COMMENDATION OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE (a) Findings.— Congress makes the following findings: (1) Since the earliest days of this Nation, citizen-soldiers of the United States have protected their fellow citizens, defended the country, and provided heroic assistance during and following natural disasters. (2) The citizen-soldier has played a key role in the protection of freedom since the days of the American Revolution. (3) The National Guard and the Reserve have been accorded significantly increased status in the overall defense posture of the United States since the end of World War II. (4) During a period in history when the Nation may face new and varied threats to peace, it is imperative that the combat capability of the National Guard and the Reserve be adequately maintained and supported. (5) The excellence of the National Guard and Reserve is directly attributable to hard work and dedication of the104 STAT. 1687 outstanding men and women who regularly perform duty in the Guard and Reserve. (b) Congressional Declaration.— In light of the findings in subsection (a), Congress— (1) acknowledges the valuable contribution that the men and women of the National Guard and the Reserve have made to the Nation’s security; and (2) continues to support the essential role that the National Guard and the Reserve perform in the total defense establishment of the United States.