224 years of service. 224 years of standing ready.

At the Lincoln Memorial, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, marked the organization’s 224th birthday ahead of May 3—honoring a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. From the battlefields of the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm, to today’s global missions, the D.C. National Guard has answered the call—every time.

But service doesn’t stop overseas.

Here at home in the nation’s capital, the D.C. National Guard stands shoulder to shoulder with interagency partners—supporting presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, global summits, National Special Security Events, and critical requests for assistance.

As America approaches Freedom 250 and celebrates 250 years of independence, one thing remains certain: The D.C. National Guard is ready—always.

224 years of service. 224 years of standing ready.

At the Lincoln Memorial, Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, marked the organization’s 224th birthday ahead of May 3—honoring a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. From the battlefields of the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm, to today’s global missions, the D.C. National Guard has answered the call—every time.

But service doesn’t stop overseas.

Here at home in the nation’s capital, the D.C. National Guard stands shoulder to shoulder with interagency partners—supporting presidential inaugurations, Independence Day celebrations, global summits, National Special Security Events, and critical requests for assistance.

As America approaches Freedom 250 and celebrates 250 years of independence, one thing remains certain: The D.C. National Guard is ready—always.