Story by Laura Berry and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton and Laura Berry, Massachusetts National Guard Public Affairs
BOSTON —Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, The Adjutant General of Massachusetts Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, Members of the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard, family and friends attended a birthday celebration for the National Guard’s 388th Birthday at the Massachusetts State House, December 13, 2024.
“December 13th is more than a birthday,” said Lt. Col. Geoffrey Love, Massachusetts National Guard Historian. “We recognize December 13th as the birthday of the National Guard, because on this day in 1636, the formerly independent town militias of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were ordered by the general court to organize into three regiments — North, East and South. This structure provided them command and control and it strengthened the colonies defenses. Today, the descendants of these first regiments, the 181st and the 182nd Infantry, the 101st Field Artillery and the 101st Engineer Battalion share the distinction of being the oldest units in the US military and the oldest continuing serving units in the world. Thus, December 13, 1636 marks the beginning of the organized militia and the symbolic family of all the states territories and the District of Columbia and the militias that make up the National Guard today. Today, The Massachusetts National Guard is 388 years old and its strength experience and self assurance remains seasoned and vibrant.”
Governor Healey spoke about the history of the National Guard and how proud she was that its birthplace was in Massachusetts.
“I know across this great country today, there are going to be many states marking this important anniversary, but we know that here in Massachusetts, we own the true birthday,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “I’m so proud of the Massachusetts National Guard, first of the nation, and always indispensable and always will be indispensable to the work of our great country and our safety and our freedom.”
The 215th Army Band played some tunes during the birthday celebration, Massachusetts National Guard officers were sworn into commission, the Governor’s Twenty awards were presented, and some other awards were presented to Massachusetts National Guardsman by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Adjutant General.
“I want to give special congratulations to those new and ascending officers for being commissioned here today and guard members who are winning well deserved awards,” said Gov. Healey.”The truth is our pride in the Massachusetts National Guard is not only about being first in making history, its also because the mend and women of the guard represent the very best of Massachusetts. I want to recognize especially, the 181st Infantry Regiment, who right now are returning from a nearly year long deployment in Iraq, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.”
Maj. Gen. Keefe reemphasized the history of the Massachusetts National Guard and beamed with pride about the Soldiers and Airmen in his Command.
“We just brought the 181 back from a year in Iraq,” he said.
He mentioned that prior to them the 126th Aviation returned from Syria and the 126th Cyber Battalion at Fort Myer is defending the Department of Defense’s infrastructure. He spoke about the Massachusetts National Guard Airmen in Kuwait, Cutter, Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine. He talked about the 1060th Transportation Company currently being in Poland and the 182nd Medical Company going to Poland soon.
“Keeping that in mind, with what we are doing with our state partners in Paraguay and in Kenya, we are all over the world,” he said.
“As many of you know, I was the Mayor of the city of Salem for 17 years. We have a little history in Salem. Its not all about the witch trials,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “At some point in the early spring after December 13, 1636, officially mustered for the first time on Salem Common to localize in its defense. And every year in April we kick off our Patriots Day weekend, we gather with the Massachusetts National Guard to commemorate the First Muster. I want to thank every member of the guard with us today, and your families for your service and I want to wish the National Guard a very happy 388th birthday.”
