The First Muster of the National Guard took place in the spring 1637 when
three regiments were established within the colony to defend against
enemy attack and preserve settlements in the English militia tradition.

The military organization we know today as the National Guard came into existence
with a direct declaration on December 13, 1636. On this date, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem, for the first time in the history of the North American
continent, established that all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60
were required to join the militia. The North, South, and East Regiments were
established with this order. The decree excluded ministers and judges. Simply
stated, citizen-soldiers who mustered for military training could be and would
be called upon to fight when needed.

Happy Birthday to all members of the National Guard!

       Harry Morgan (April 10, 1915 – December 7, 2011)

Harry Morgan as Colonel Sherman T. Potter in M*A*S*H (1975-1983)

 
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii