Rep. Travis Couture speaks in support of resolution honoring the Washington National Guard
State Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, spoke on the House floor today in support of House Resolution 4610, which honors the Washington National Guard.
Transcript:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I rise today for my first speech on this House floor to honor and appreciate the Washington National Guard and those who serve in it. Whether threats to life or property, or to our liberty abroad, the Washington National Guard always is there and is always ready. These brave men and women sign their name on the dotted line, and write a blank check up to their lives to protect and serve us all.
When they’re activated they activate from normal life. They’re our neighbors, they’re teachers, they’re nurses, they’re truckdrivers, and they’re also the best among us.
Their seal, Madam Speaker, is the Concord Minute Man. That’s a stark reminder of the fateful day in 1775 when the first militiamen were killed, and it’s also a reminder that freedom must be fought for and that it could come from anywhere. The Concord Minute Man is an embattled farmer who rose to the occasion, like all the people in the Washington National Guard who rise to the occasion, whether they’re activated by the governor for natural disasters, like the eruption at Mount Saint Helens, or the Oso landslide, or various floods and civil unrests or the many wildfires. They also serve us abroad in many of our foreign wars and conflicts, including both world wars and recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy and the only person on this floor to have served on in submarines, I salute those of the Washington National Guard for their honor, their courage, their commitment, their valor, and their selfless service to those of us in this state.
Thank you.
