LATHAM-- The National Guard of the United States turns 375 Years old today,Dec. 13. On this day in 1636 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law establishing formal militia companies in the colony. These companies were made up of all adult males older than 16 and were expected to meet and train in military skills regularly.In New York, the first citizen-soldiers were members of the Burgher Guard, organized by the Dutch East Indian Company in 1640 to help protect New Amsterdam from their English neighbors in Massachusetts and Virginia or from hostile natives.
Citizen soldiers of the militia and National Guard have fought in all of America’s wars from King Philips War against Native Americans in the New England Colonies in 1675 to the struggle in Afghanistan today.
DMNA Press Releases
NY National Guard In the News
WSTM -- Thu, 10 Oct 2024 Syracuse based National Guard troops deployed to assist in Milton response More than 40 Syracuse-based National Guard soldiers have been deployed to Florida to assist in the response to Hurricane Milton. Sixty-five total National Guard members from across the state... (more)
WHEC -- Wed, 09 Oct 2024 Its pretty devastating: Army National Guard members, Chinook helicopters return after relief efforts in Carolinas (videos) ROCHESTER, N.Y. While Florida is dealing with the wrath of Hurricane Milton, many people in the Carolinas are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene two weeks ago. Three Chinook... (more)
WCAX -- Wed, 09 Oct 2024 New York sends National Guard to Florida ( Video) Hurricane victims will receive a helping hand from the Empire State as New York is sending aid to Florida in the wake of Milton.