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Articles
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Elkton National Guard Mobilization
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On Friday, May 25th 2007, the 131 men of Company D of the 175th infantry regiment gathered at 11AM at the Elkton Armory for a send of prior to deployment to
Iraq.
The men of the Company D were surrounded by family, friends, and grateful citizens who come out to show their respect.
Delegate Smigiel was asked by Captain Jonathan Presteoti to say a few words to the troop assembled. Delegate Smigiel presented the Company with (5) five Maryland State flags and stated that:
“On behalf of our families, your friends and your community we present you with these five Maryland flags to take with you on your deployment. As you see these Maryland Flags displayed. Please know that not a single day shall pass when you are not in our thoughts and our prayers and that we are thankful for the freedom you provide. Go with
God speed to a successful mission and safe return.”
Senator Pipkin and Delegate Sossi accompanied Delegate Smigiel in presenting the flags to the Company. The Delegation intentionally kept their comments brief so as to allow the families more time with the soldiers before they had to board their buses for Fort Dix, N.J. prior to deployment to Iraq.
Delegate Smigiel later stated that this deployment ceremony was one of the most emotional and important public functions I have experienced. Photos of the event taken by Delegate Smigiel’s Legislative Aide, Ms. Cailey
Locklair, are available by clicking here Deployment. Also, local Cecil County Historian, Michael Dixon, has done a Podcast from the Armory which can be seen by
clicking here Historical Society
Podcast
See Photos
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