The Georgia Legislature is honoring the 45 National Guard soldiers who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Members of the House rose for a moment of silence Wednesday before the day was named "National Guard Day" at the Capitol. House Speaker David Ralston, flanked by commanders and soldiers from the National Guard, honored family members of the fallen soldiers, some of whom were in the gallery of the House chamber.

The names of the soldiers who have died were read out loud during the ceremony.

In the Senate, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle recognized the sacrifice of the National Guard and their families. On hand was former state Sen. Jim Butterworth, now commander for the Georgia National Guard.