Friends and neighbors,
You may not know this, but December 13 marked an important anniversary. It is the date that is officially recognized as the birthdate of the National Guard.
It was on that date in 1636 that the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s General Court issued an order to organize the colony’s militia into three permanent regiments in order to strengthen the defenses of the colony. The descendants of these units are recognized as the oldest in the United States Military.
Minnesota’s own National Guard was formed in 1850, but December 13, 1636, is the symbolic birth of the state, territory, and District of Columbia militias that make up the National Guard as we know it today.
The 13,000 soldiers and airmen who make up Minnesota’s National Guard have been an important part of Minnesota’s history, as well as global affairs. They are currently providing support at nursing homes battling Covid outbreaks. They have helped motorists stranded in snowstorms and battled wildfires in northern Minnesota. They helped restore peace during the unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul in the spring of 2020. They were heavily involved in the Global War on Terror and the War in Iraq – 16 Minnesota National Guard soldiers lost their lives in the Iraq War, and 79 earned Purple Heart Medals due to injuries received in combat. They provided critical support in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, including combat air patrols and missions to safeguard airports. The list of critical missions they have led goes on and on, back to 1850 – before Minnesota officially became a state.
Everything the National Guard is responsible for, from assisting in the aftermath of natural disasters to peacekeeping during riots to deploying overseas to missions critical to national security can all be traced back to the decision by the Massachusetts General Court’s decision 385 years ago.
Happy birthday to the National Guard, and thank you for everything you have done to keep us safe.
Here are a few other interesting factoids about the National Guard, courtesy of their website:
What is the oldest Army National Guard Unit? The oldest Army National Guard units are the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery Regiment, the 181st Infantry Regiment, and the 182nd Infantry Regiment, all of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. These four units are the descendants of the original three militia regiments organized by colonial Massachusetts legislation on December 13, 1636, and share the distinction of being the oldest units in the U.S. military.
How can the Army National Guard be older than the Army? Our ability to recognize December 13, 1636, as the organization date of the oldest Army National Guard units is based in law. The Militia Act of May 8, 1792, permitted militia units organized before May 8, 1792, to retain their “customary privileges.” This provision of the militia act was perpetuated by the Militia Act of 1903, the National Defense Act of 1916, and subsequent law.
Mental health resources for the holiday season
The holiday season can be challenging for people who are struggling with their mental health or substance use disorders. It is important to be aware of your needs, take care of your health, manage your time, and take breaks when you need them.
Those are just a few of the steps you can take to manage the stress, anxiety, and grief that can accompany the holidays. RALI Minnesota – the prescription drug abuse leadership initiative – has a good list of additional tips and resources that might be helpful: https://www.ralimn.org/single-post/supporting-loved-ones-during-the-holidays
Contact me
As always, if you have questions or concerns about the state budget or any other legislative topic, feel free to contact me any time. You can call me at 651-296-5655 or send me an email at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn. It is a privilege to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,