National Guard Birthday
National Guard Birthday is celebrated on December 13th every year and is used to commemorate the day upon which this U.S. military organization was founded. It’s an organization that consists of citizen soldiers who hold full-time civilian jobs, all while dedicating a portion of their time to provide support and protection for a state’s civilians.
United States (Observance)The National Guard is also one of the oldest U.S. military organizations and was originally established in 1636.
The History of the National Guard
The National Guard was founded on December 13th, 1636, and had its first drill on the village green in Salem, Massachusetts. This military tradition was taken from England and was designed as a way for citizens to organize themselves to secure the common defense of villages and towns.
It was originally known merely as the militia, but in 1916 its name was changed to the National Guard. Over the past 384+ years since they were first established, they have not only secured the defense of local, state, and national assets but have also helped with natural disasters, and moments of civil unrest, and have served in major wars.
National Guard Facts
Although the National Guard is an important part of the United States national defense and is deployed for everything from wars to natural disasters, few people know much about them. That’s why we’ve decided to go ahead and give some facts about this esteemed organization.
- Each National Guard member swears to uphold the U.S. Constitution and their respective state constitution.
- 50,000+ National Guard members were engaged in various duties after the 9/11 attacks occurred in 2001.
- The only U.S. territory that doesn’t have a U.S. National Guard is the territory of American Samoa.
- During the American Revolution, National Guard units were called Minutemen.
- Each National Guard unit’s most senior member is called the Adjutant General.
- Some states elect their Adjutant General, and some state governors appoint them.
- The National Guard formed the first all-African-American unit in U.S. military history: The 54th Massachusetts Volunteers.
- The 54th Massachusetts Volunteers were active from March 13, 1863, through August 4, 1865.
Observing the National Guard’s Birthday
Since National Guard Birthday commemorates the founding of the National Guard and isn’t such a holiday that’s usually celebrated or observed by the civilian population, it is a day to observe the contributions made by this organization. And that can be done in a variety of different ways.
All over the U.S., the contributions of the National Guard are honored with special events. This includes birthday parties thrown by communities, galas, and even balls. People wishing to honor the contributions of the National Guard can also use the hashtag #NationalGuardBirthday to give thanks and to wish a happy birthday on social media sites.
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