Official National Guard announcements or Department of Defense reports

U.S. National Guard Marks 388 Years of Service Since Founding as Private Militia in 1636

Dec 13, 2024, 03:30 PM

On December 13, 2024, the United States National Guard celebrated its 388th birthday, commemorating its origin on December 13, 1636, when the first militia regiments were organized in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Recognized as the nation's oldest military branch, the National Guard was founded as a private militia and has since evolved into a force of citizen-soldiers and airmen serving both domestically and abroad. Political leaders and organizations across the country, including members of Congress, governors, and the President, marked the occasion by expressing gratitude for the National Guard's 388 years of unwavering service and sacrifice. Many highlighted the Guard's motto, "Always Ready, Always There," and acknowledged its crucial role in supporting communities during times of crisis, such as natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The National Guard has served in every major U.S. conflict and continues to be an essential component of the nation's defense and emergency response.