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NEWS | July 2, 2019

800 DC Guardsmen activated to provide traffic control and crowd management for Independence Day celebration

District of Columbia National Guard

Approximately 800 District of Columbia National Guard citizen soldiers and airmen will support Independence Day activities in the National Capital Region (NCR) July 4. Guardsmen, who serve and live in the local community, will support local authorities by providing increased security and managing the flow of traffic and people in and around D.C. and at various metro stations.

“As we do each year, the D.C. National Guard takes pride in supporting the celebration of our nation’s Independence,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, D.C. National Guard commanding general. “We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees.”

D.C. National Guard soldiers and airmen will augment these agencies by participating in perimeter security, crowd management and traffic control, among other support activities. Additionally, they will be located throughout the district during the day including the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue, “A Salute to America” at the Lincoln Memorial, and the fireworks display scheduled to launch from West Potomac Park.

Soldiers and airmen will be focused on ensuring the safety for attendees of each event with the supporting the U.S. Park Police, Metro Transit Police and the U.S. Capitol Police. Other tasks include partnering with district organizations, such as the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, to ensure immediate response to any perceived threats to the safety and security of attendees.

The D.C. National Guard is made up of soldiers and airmen who support the community, many working as police, firefighters, and government leaders supporting civilian authorities. The Guardsmen have a rich heritage within the NCR and have been protecting the Capital and defending the nation since 1802.

Today's Capital Guardians remains strong with more than 2,700 soldiers and airmen providing air sovereignty over the National Capital Region, transporting senior government leaders, supporting domestic operations and providing mission-ready soldiers and airmen for global engagement.

For more information about the D.C. National Guard visit https://dc.ng.mil.

Media Inquiries:

LtCol Michael Odle

Public Affairs Officer

Phone: 202-355-5822

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