National Guard Celebrates 384 Years of Service to the Country

Yesterday marked the birthday of the National Guard as the first militia regiments were organized in Massachusetts in 1636. The Massachusetts colonial legislature directed that the colony’s existing militia companies be organized into three regiments.

In present-day, the regiments are the 181^st Infantry…the 182^nd Infantry…the 101^st Field Artillery…and the 101^st Engineer Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The four units are descendants of the original three and share the distinction of being the oldest units in the U.S. military. All born here in the great state of Massachusetts.

In a letter to Soldiers, Airmen, and the families of the Guard, General Hokanson wrote; “As we celebrate the National Guard’s 384^th birthday, take a moment to reflect on the courage and patriotism of those that came before us and consider the legacy we will leave behind. We are living in a pivotal moment, serving on the frontlines of a historic time. Now and forever, let us be remembered for being Always Ready, Always There.”

Maj. Gen Gary Keefe who heads up the Massachusetts National Guard and is the leading senior military adviser to Governor Baker, presided over a ceremony yesterday that was shared virtually with Soldiers and Airmen to commemorate the birth of the National Guard 384 years and one day ago today.

Happy Birthday to the National Guard and thank you for your service to our country.