The Birth of the National Guard

By: Maj. Gen. Jeffrey H. Holmes,

Tennessee’s Adjutant General

The National Guard celebrated its 384th birthday on December 13, 2020. This date is etched on the cornerstone of our Nation as it represents the first moment our society took its defense into our own hands. It was also the first step in building a nation out of an untamed and dangerous wilderness. This date signifies the moment the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three militia regiments to defend the colony from the growing threat of American Indian attacks. Other American colonies would follow their example and the militia would...