Obama recognizes Salem, Mass., as birthplace of the National Guard

By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy
National Guard Bureau

The First Muster - The history of the National Guard began on December 13, 1636, when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered the organization of the Colony's militia companies into three regiments: The North, South and East Regiments. The colonists had adopted the English militia system which obligated all males, between the ages of 16 and 60, to possess arms and participate in the defense of the community. The early colonial militia drilled once a week and provided guard details each evening to sound the alarm in case of attack. The growing threat of the Pequot Indians to the Massachusetts Bay Colony required that the militia be in a high state of readiness. The organization of the North, South and East Regiments increased the efficiency and responsiveness of the militia. Although the exact date is not known, the first muster of the East Regiment took place in Salem, Massachusetts.
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ARLINGTON, Va. (1/18/13) - President Barack Obama signed into law this week a bill that designates Salem, Mass., as the birthplace of the National Guard. Local officials, politicians and members of the Massachusetts National Guard gathered at the Salem City Hall yesterday to celebrate the signing of the bill.

The Guard’s birth dates back to Dec. 13, 1636 when the North, South and East Regiments of the Massachusetts Bay Colony were formed. The first muster of those regiments then took place on Salem Common, though the actual date has been lost to history.

The area’s significance as the Guard’s birthplace has been widely known and accepted locally. In 2010 Massachusetts Gov. Patrick Duvall signed a similar bill into state law and in 2007 the Salem City Council passed a corresponding resolution.

As a way of celebrating Salem’s role in the history of the Guard, each April Massachusetts National Guard members hold a mustering of troops on Salem Common. The Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Engineer Battalion and181st Infantry Regiment all trace their lineage back to the original regiments that mustered on Salem Common.
"What a lineage we have, what an honor to be here," said Air Force Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, adjutant general of the Massachusetts Guard, during the ceremony. "What a great meeting of all the history in the place."

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