Do the first 13 words of the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution mean anything at all?

Since Tea Party Republicans swept into control of the New Hampshire legislature in 2010, they have pushed through a series of laws that might be labeled by mainstream Americans as extreme. Currently under consideration is a law allowing concealed carry with no license. State licenses would still be available for residents who wish to carry their pistol outside of New Hampshire in states that have reciprocal license agreements with New Hampshire. The bill will also allow those prohibited from carrying firearms, such as convicted felons, to possess firearms in their homes or places of business.

The second amendment reads, ”A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” The words in bold are the first 13 words, the phrase that seems to be ignored in the GOP push for more guns everywhere. What do you think the highlighted words mean? Do they have no meaning at all?