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
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Rome Sentinel -- Tue, 21 Apr 2026 ACHIEVEMENT: Local pair earn Air National Guard promotions LATHAM Two local airmen have received promotions in recognition of their capacity for additional responsibility and leadership in the New York Air National Guard, according to an announcement... (more)
Oneida Dispatch -- Mon, 20 Apr 2026 Dont be afraid: Griffo hosts emergency preparedness training program ROME, N.Y. State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R, C-Rome, recently joined the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps, the New York National Guard, the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency... (more)
North Country Now -- Sun, 19 Apr 2026 SUNY Potsdam to host free NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program POTSDAM SUNY Potsdam's Center for Preparedness is pleased to announce that the campus will host the NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program on Thursday, April 23, at 12 p.m. in Kellas... (more)