PROCLAMATION

A PROCLAMATION TO RECOGNIZE MEMBERS OF THE THIRD BATTALION,

116^TH INFANTRY DIVISION OF THE VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD

WHEREAS, the members of the Virginia Army National Guard play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Americans and unceasingly provide a vital public service to Fauquier County citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of  members of the Virginia Army National Guard, and  recognize their duty to serve the citizens by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression; and

WHEREAS, on June 6, 1944, troops of the 116th Infantry Division of the Virginia National Guard  were among the first to land on Omaha Beach; and

WHEREAS, the last time a Fauquier-based Army National Guard unit was activated for Federal service was during World War II, where troops fought in Europe as part of the 29th Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, on February 24, 2004, Major General Claude Williams, Adjutant General of Virginia, announced that three companies of the Virginia Army National Guard, including Company B, 3^rd Battalion, 116^th Infantry Division, based at the Harvey L. Pearson Armory in Warrenton, and in Woodstock, Virginia, have been called to active Federal service, effective March 1, 2004; and

WHEREAS, 570 members of the 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Division of the Virginia National Guard have received orders to deploy overseas for eighteen months; now, therefore, be it

PROCLAIMED by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors this 15^th day of March 2004, That the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors wishes to recognize members of the Virginia Army National Guard for their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, and acknowledge that they have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and, in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens; and, be it

PROCLAIMED FURTHER, That the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors recognizes those members of the Virginia Army National Guard, past and present, who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country or have become disabled in the performance of duty, and pays respect to the survivors of those fallen heroes; and, be it

            PROCLAIMED FINALLY, That the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors expresses heartfelt gratitude and wishes of Godspeed to this brave group of soldiers upon their deployment overseas in the service of their community and country. 

                                                                                    __________________________________

                                                                                    Harry F. Atherton

                                                                                    Chairman of the Board