Happy Birthday, National Guard

On December 13, 1636, a militia was formed in Massachusetts Bay, becoming the first military group in the New World. The Militia Act of 1903 organized state militias into the National Guard, the primary organized reserve force.

The Guard can be mobilized by the President to supplement regular forces and to respond to emergencies, like Katrina. Around 40% of the force in the Middle East is reserve forces.

Always Ready, Always There

Guardsmen who have died in service to their country are remembered here, with their names and locations of death. This list starts with 9/11 at the pentagon and New York.

12 days before Christmas

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