• Washington Military Department
• Emergency Management
• Washington National Guard
• Army Guard
• Air Guard

• Armory Rentals
• Education
• Environmental
• Family Programs
• Fallen Heroes
• State Guard
• Recruiting

Happy 371st Birthday National Guard!

Guard celebrates 371 years – or 19 generations of lifers

What is a few years younger than the Mayflower Compact (1620); a lot older than the Declaration of Independence (1776) and U.S. Constitution (1787); predates the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps by 139 years; and is 311 years older than the Air Force?

Answer: The National Guard.

Known originally as the militia, the National Guard turns 371 years young Dec. 13.

To Learn About the History of the Army National Guard More Click Here...

WASHINGTON MILITARY DEPARTMENT
JOINT FORCE HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON NATIONAL GUARD
CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON  98430-5000

 

Washington National Guard Celebrates the Guard’s Birthday with Cake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 3, 2007

CAMP MURRAY, WA – The Washington National Guard is celebrating The National Guard’s 371st birthday on Thursday, December 13, 2007 by offering birthday cake to guests and passers by at their storefront locations around the State.  Cake will be served from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at storefront locations in Spokane, Kennewick, Yakima, Lacey, Lakewood, Puyallup, and Seattle in addition to the Centrailia Armory and Longview Armory.

The National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States, traces its origins directly to the militias of the first English colonies.  With its oldest units dating back to 1636, the National Guard is one of the oldest institutions in the United States; it has fought in every American war since 1637.  The “Minutemen” who began the Revolutionary War were recruited from the Massachusetts militia, and the militia played a key role in winning American independence.  The U.S. Constitution created the National Guard’s unique dual status, with control of the Guard resting with the state Governors, unless called to active service by the President.  

The Washington National Guard’s history began in 1853, when President Fillmore signed the Organic Act creating the Washington Territory.  Major Isaac Stevens was appointed the first governor and commander-in-chief of the Territorial Militia.

The citizen soldiers of The Washington National Guard are dedicated to the mission of safeguarding lives and property in Washington State. Our citizen soldiers come from every community, profession and background from around the State - we are Neighbors Helping Neighbors Through a Tradition of Service.