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On December 13, we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. National Guard on their special day – U.S. National Guard Birthday! This military branch has a rich history dating back to 1636, when the first militia regiments were formed to protect early colonists in America. Throughout the years, the National Guard has played a crucial role in defending our country and supporting communities during times of crisis. Let's take this day to show our gratitude and appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Happy birthday, U.S. National Guard!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1636</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the First Militia</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1775</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Role in Revolutionary War</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Guard units rallied to support the cause of independence from British rule during the American Revolutionary War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1903</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dick Act Passed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Militia Act of 1903 or Dick Act officially recognized and distributed federal funds to the National Guard as an integral part of the U.S. military.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Air Guard Formed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Air National Guard was officially established, marking an expansion to include aerial defense capabilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-9/11 Response</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the events of 9/11, the National Guard played a significant role in global and homeland security operations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Response</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Guard members have been instrumental in response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding in testing and vaccination rollouts.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or ceremony</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community events for any parades or ceremonies honoring the U.S. National Guard on their birthday. This is a great way to show your support and appreciation for their service.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send thank you cards or care packages</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and write thank you cards or put together care packages to send to current or past members of the U.S. National Guard. This small gesture can mean a lot to those who have served.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local veterans organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a local veterans organization that supports the U.S. National Guard. This is a great way to give back and show your appreciation for their sacrifices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a BBQ or picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a BBQ or picnic and use the opportunity to share stories and memories of loved ones who have served in the U.S. National Guard. This is a great way to honor their service and celebrate their birthday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a military movie or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some popcorn and watch a military movie or documentary that highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. National Guard. This is a great way to learn more about their history and appreciate their service.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors the sacrifices made by National Guard members</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The U.S. National Guard Birthday is an important day to recognize and thank those who have served or are currently serving in the National Guard. These men and women make great sacrifices - leaving their families, jobs, and daily lives behind - to serve and protect our country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates the history and accomplishments of the National Guard</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Established in 1636, the National Guard has played a crucial role throughout American history. From defending against invasion during the Revolutionary War to providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters, the National Guard has continuously demonstrated its importance and dedication to serving the nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes awareness of the National Guard's contributions to society</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The U.S. National Guard Birthday serves as a reminder to appreciate and support the ongoing efforts of these brave individuals. By celebrating this day, we not only honor their commitment but also raise awareness about the important role the National Guard plays in protecting our country and its citizens.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Guard's Motto Stands for Always Ready, Always There</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Latin, Semper Paratus is known as the motto of the U.S. National Guard, which translates to "Always Ready, Always There," embodying their readiness to serve in times of crisis whenever needed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Guard Members Can Serve at Two Levels</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike other branches of military, the U.S. National Guard operates under a “dual-service” structure, meaning members can serve at a state and/or federal level, often assisting in both national defense and community-related efforts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Minuteman is the National Guard's Symbol</h3><p class='facts-content'>The National Guard's logo features a Minuteman, portrayal of their readiness to defend. Minutemen were civilian colonists who independently organized to form well-prepared militia companies during the American Revolutionary War.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Guard Assists in Natural Disaster Relief</h3><p class='facts-content'>Beyond warfare, the National Guard plays a critical role in responding to natural disasters. Whether a hurricane, wildfire, or flood, the National Guard provides aid and support in these dire situations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The National Guard is Largely Comprised of Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many members of the National Guard maintain full-time civilian careers or attend school while fulfilling their military training part-time, earning them the name citizen-soldiers and airmen.</p></div></div>
U.S. National Guard Birthday is celebrated on December 13 every year. In 2024 U.S. National Guard Birthday will occur on a Friday.
2023
Dec 13
Wednesday
2024
Dec 13
Friday
2025
Dec 13
Saturday
2026
Dec 13
Sunday
2027
Dec 13
Monday
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