Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Commanding General Brig. Gen. James Bonner observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the National Guard’s 384th birthday.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
Imperial Japan attacked our naval base at Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941 — 79 years ago — launching the United States into World War II.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it “a day that will live in infamy,” as more than 2,400 Americans were killed in what was the deadliest attack on American soil until 9/11.
One thing I am always amazed by is the resiliency of the American people. Though they were still reeling from the shock of the surprise attack, our ancestors rallied behind the American flag to lead the Allies against Nazi Germany and the Axis powers. The attack on Pearl Harbor united us in a way the world had never seen before, and we emerged from the war as the preeminent global power.
We need to reclaim that same spirit of unity. Every service member and Department of Defense civilian serves to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Our Team of Teams works every day to spread the idea that we are all created equal, regardless of race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. Under the red, white and blue of our flag, we are all Americans and committed to the defense of this great nation.
Valuing each team member and their unique contributions helps make us the greatest military in the world.
As we solemnly celebrate Pearl Harbor Day, I want you all to remember the things that bring us together. You are all essential members of the Fort Leonard Wood team, and we are proud to serve with you.
Victory starts here — victory through skill.
Celebrating the National Guard’s 384th birthday
On Sunday, we celebrate the 384th birthday of the oldest military force in the Department of Defense — the National Guard.
The Guard traces its lineage to early Massachusetts militias that defended their settlements against attack. In 1636, the National Guard answered the nation’s call to organize into three permanent regiments by region — East, North and South. Over the last four centuries, The National Guard has continued to grow into the fighting force you see today.
Now, there are nearly 450,000 Soldiers and Airmen serving in the National Guard, accounting for 20 percent of the joint force.
The National Guard has transformed from a strategic reserve to an operational force. Since the Global War on Terror began, the National Guard has supported more than 1.1 million overseas deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, the Balkans, Guantanamo Bay, the Sinai and other locations.
Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard have also been instrumental in the homeland over the past year. Between hurricane responses, assisting federal and state agencies during social unrest and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation has repeatedly called on them to protect our country.
The National Guard serves both community and country. Our military is the greatest in the world due in large part to the professionalism, hard work and adaptability of our Guardsmen and women.
To all the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard that make up nearly 50 percent of Military Police, Engineer and CBRN forces, and to all the Guard members who train at Fort Leonard Wood — including the Missouri Army National Guard’s 35th Engineer Brigade — we are proud to serve with you.
Happy birthday, National Guard.
Victory starts here — victory through skill.
