In 1636 --- 140 years before America was born --- citizen soldiers first mustered in Salem, Massachusetts on guard against Indian raids and giving birth to what is now the National Guard the country’s oldest military organization celebrating 375 years of service this year.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Tennessee National Guard Commander-in-Chief, and Major General Terry “Max” Haston, Tennessee Guard Adjutant General, presided at the ceremony.
“Milestones like this one are a great reminder of the heroic service and sacrifice of soldiers past and present,” Gov. Haslam said. “It is a pleasure to pay tribute to those soldiers and the National Guard for cultivating a long legacy of volunteerism in our country.”
“The Guard’s birthday is a milestone in the history of the nation,” said Maj. Gen. Terry “Max” Haston, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “It is the oldest and one of the proudest military institutions and its members and service need to be honored. The Guard is more vital than ever in protecting our freedoms both here at home and abroad.”
In keeping with the militias of 375 years ago, today's National Guard has become essential to national defense. More than 21,000 Tennessee Army and Air National Guardsmen have been deployed overseas in support of the War on Terror. Twenty-two of those brave men and women have given their lives while serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The National Guard motto remains "Always Ready, Always There.”
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