1.26.18 

Suggested lead:  In Olympia Friday, the House of Representatives took a break to honor the citizen-soldiers of the state’s National Guard.  Dan Frizzell has more.

Wrap (:65 total): It’s an annual affair lawmakers on both sides of the party aisle look forward to, the chance to put legislation aside and celebrate Washington’s 8,000 members of the National Guard.  The resolution honoring the Guard was introduced by Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, and one of the most impassioned floor speeches was delivered by Representative Christine Kilduff, a Democrat whose Pierce County district is home to the state’s National Guard headquarters.

KILDUFF: “When there’s a wildfire they run toward it.  When there’s a flood they show up with shovels and sandbags.  And when our nation calls, they fly halfway around the world to risk their lives on our behalf.  So on this day, I hope they hear our admiration. I hope they hear our respect.  And I hope they hear our deepest, deepest thanks.” [:25]

After the resolution passed unanimously, leaders of the Air and Army National Guard visited with Democrats and Republicans in their respective caucus rooms to brief them on current Guard activities and worldwide deployments.  In Olympia, I’m Dan Frizzell.