Washington, D.C. -Today, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) accepted the Charles Dick Medal of Merit from the National Guard Association of the United States for his distinguished support of the National Guard. 

"I am humbled and honored by this recognition from the men and women of the National Guard," Senator Burr said.  "From the earliest days of our country, the National Guard has been a symbol of American freedom, security and generosity. Their duties are dangerous and thankless, yet because of the sacrifices they make every day on our behalf, Americans are able to enjoy living in a free, democratic society."

The medal is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick, President of the National Guard Association of the United States from 1902 to 1909, a major general in the Ohio National Guard, a Congressman and later a Senator. Dick was responsible for the passage of the Dick Acts of 1903 and 1908 that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.