S*1340 Resolution, By Verdin
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE 2ND
 "HIGHLAND" BRIGADE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD FOR THEIR SELFLESS
 SERVICE TO OUR STATE AND NATION.

   06/06/02  Senate Introduced and adopted

TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE ORGANIZATION OF THE 2ND "HIGHLAND" BRIGADE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD FOR THEIR SELFLESS SERVICE TO OUR STATE AND NATION.

Whereas, the South Carolina State Guard was formed in 1670 to protect against the Spanish and the Indians, necessitating active combat at Fort San Marco in St. Augustine, Florida; and

Whereas, from 1775 to 1783 the South Carolina State Guard fought in the American Revolution as part of the Continental Army; and

Whereas, in the War of 1812, our Guard again went into the Continental Army. The National Guard was reorganized in the 1880's and when World War I began in 1914, defense forces for the States were authorized to be created. In 1917, the first Regiment 8 companies were created until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles; and

Whereas, in March of 1941, Governor Maybank authorized the creation of the S.C. Defense Force, and in 1994 the South Carolina State Guard established regimental headquarters to enhance command and training; and

Whereas, the South Carolina State Guard seeks to deliver a fully capable level of preparedness and response to protect the lives and property of the people of South Carolina during times of emergency; and

Whereas, the Second Brigade is one of three brigades of the South Carolina State Guard and serves the citizens of upstate South Carolina. Units are located in Fountain Inn, Laurens, Easley, Fort Mill, Williamston, and Spartanburg; and

Whereas, the mission of the South Carolina State Guard is to organize, develop, train, and maintain a researched volunteer force within the South Carolina Military Department, and to provide an administrative logistical and environmental force multiplier for the Military Department, in order to provide assistance to people of the State, especially during times of emergencies; and

Whereas, ranks are filled with veterans, many of whom are combat veterans, as well as skilled civilian personnel, who give freely of themselves on a daily basis without reward or compensation in a valorous and virtuous manner to protect the welfare of our State; and

Whereas, this framework is the basis for each unit of the South Carolina State Guard which can grow in strength in a national emergency such as hurricanes, flooding, guarding reservoirs, directing traffic as requested by law enforcement, or as most recently, providing much needed support to Ground Zero victims in New York City. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, recognize and commend the organization of the 2nd "Highland" Brigade of the South Carolina State Guard for their selfless service to the people of our State and nation.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to General Edward Y. Hall, Commander of the Second Brigade.