Celebrating America’s Oldest Military Organization
BOSTON — The Massachusetts National Guard commemorated its 389th birthday at a ceremony held at the State house on December 11, 2025. The event honored the Guard’s nearly four centuries of service and highlighted its standing as the oldest militia organization in the United States, tracing its lineage to the December 13, 1636 establishment of the first organized regiments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon and Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard presided over the ceremony.
The ceremony highlighted the Guard’s unique heritage, beginning with the General Court’s 1636 order that organized the colony’s militia companies into the North, South, and East Regiments. These early formations evolved into some of the oldest units still serving in the U.S. Army today.
Over the centuries, Massachusetts citizen-soldiers and airmen served in every major American conflict, from colonial frontier campaigns and the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, both World Wars, and contemporary operations overseas and within the Commonwealth. The Guard’s birthday celebration paid tribute to this legacy of continuous service, sacrifice, and readiness.
“Today’s celebration was a reminder of the Massachusetts National Guard’s extraordinary 389-year legacy of service to our state and our nation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It was an honor to recognize the achievements of our Soldiers and Airmen and to stand with an organization that plays a critical role in keep our communities safe and strong.”
This year’s celebration included an awards ceremony featuring multiple significant honors:
- The Soldier’s Medal Presentation: Awarded for heroism displayed outside of combat operations.
- The Governor’s Twenty: Recognizing the top Soldiers and Airmen in marksmanship and competitive excellence.
- Officer’s Oath Ceremony: Welcoming newly commissioned and appointed officers into the Massachusetts National Guard.
These recognitions underscored the professionalism and dedication of the Guard’s current generation, linking today’s service members to the organization’s nearly 400-year tradition.
The Soldiers’ Medal was awarded to Staff Sgt. Thomas Beebe, a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 101st Field Artillery Battalion, for going above and beyond the ordinary scope of his duties during operations in support of the Massachusetts Supplemental Shelter Program. On September 13, 2023, a fire broke out at the Red Roof Inn in Sutton, Mass., where Beebe was supporting. Beebe immediately investigated the situation and helped evacuate a civilian inside the room, then notified and assisted in the evacuation of additional civilians in the building.
After noticing his on-site supervisor was unable to extricate himself, Beebe re-entered the site and assisted his supervisor outside of the building.
“Happy Birthday to the Massachusetts National Guard,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Thank you for your service, your strength and your steadfast commitment to protecting our people and our nation.”
“The Guard has long been a critical partner in safeguarding the people of Massachusetts,” Secretary of Public Safety and Security Gina Kwon. Today’s ceremony honored centuries of service and the exceptional individuals whose actions continue that tradition. I was proud to recognize their accomplishments and their steadfast support to our communities.”
“We’re not just the birthplace of the National Guard in 1636; we’re the birthplace of the United States military. You have joined the best team you could be a part of,” said Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe. “I want to thank you, not as your Adjutant General, but as a citizen in the great commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States. Thank you for raising your hand and taking that oath.”
Founded in 1636, the Massachusetts National Guard is the nation’s oldest military organization and maintains the longest lineage of any units in the U.S. Army. Today, the Guard continues its dual state and federal mission, protecting the Commonwealth in times of emergency and serving the nation alongside active-duty forces when called.
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