WEBVTT

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Capitol Guardians and members of the

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Joint Task Force , I'm Brigadier

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General Leland Blanchard , commanding

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general of the DC National Guard .

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Every mission leaves a legacy . This

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one is no different . For generations ,

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Americans have known the guard for

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responding to disasters , supporting

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overseas operations , and answering the

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call during times of crisis . Over the

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past year , you've expanded that

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understanding . You demonstrated that

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the National Guard is also a trusted

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partner in strengthening public safety ,

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supporting civil authorities , and

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building confidence within the

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communities that we serve . This has

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not happened because of a slogan or a

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headline . It happened because of your

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actions . Day after day you have

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approached every patrol , every

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interaction , and every challenge with

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professionalism , discipline and

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respect , standing shoulder to shoulder

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with our law enforcement and in .

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Agency partners you've demonstrated

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that readiness is measured not only by

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our ability to respond to conflict but

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also by our ability to prevent crisis ,

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to protect lives , and earn the trust

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of the American people . Together you

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have helped build one of the most

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significant joint law enforcement

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partnerships in modern history . That

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success was built through

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professionalism , mutual trust , and a

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shared commitment to serving something

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greater than ourselves . As we

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transition to the next phase of this

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mission . We will sustain that momentum ,

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delivering logistics , the management ,

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and the support that keeps this force

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ready for whatever comes next . I could

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not be more proud of everything that

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you've accomplished . You have not only

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fulfilled the mission , you have

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elevated the reputation of the National

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Guard and demonstrated the

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extraordinary value of citizen soldiers

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and airmen serving alongside our

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communities as the National Guard

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prepares to mark 390 years of service ,

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we are reminded that our story has

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always been intertwined with America's

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story . While today's challenges may be

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different , the ingenuity , resilience ,

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and unwavering sense of purpose that

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have . Defined the guard for nearly 4

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centuries remains unchanged . That

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enduring commitment will continue to

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guide everything we do as we stand

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ready to protect our communities ,

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support our partners , and serve our

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nation whenever called . Protect the

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Capitol , defend the nation .