News Release

D.C. National Guard 223rd Birthday Message
May 2, 2025 — On May 3, we celebrate the 223rd Birthday of the District of Columbia National Guard. This drill weekend should serve as a reminder of a tradition that links us to D.C. Militia members who wore the uniform before us—heritage rooted in courage, discipline, loyalty, perseverance, respect, trust, and adaptability. Like the early patriots of 1802 who... MORE

Legacy of Service: 222nd "First Muster" Commemoration
November 1, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard recognized the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of the D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The commemoration consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment ceremony underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future... MORE

District of Columbia National Guard Honors Legacy of Service with First Muster Ceremony
October 30, 2024 — The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The ceremony consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future... MORE

The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the First Muster of the D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, on Oct. 30 2024. The event consisting of remarks, a historical reenactment, and Oath of Enlistment underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting both the capital city and national defense, and the organization's future.

The Battle of Bladensburg: D.C. Militia, valor and lessons learned
August 15, 2024 — The Battle of Bladensburg was the first in a series of major engagements between U.S. and British forces during the Chesapeake Campaign of 1814. The result was a decisive victory for Great Britain and an embarrassing defeat for the United States, resulting in the raiding and burning of our nation’s capital. Although the “Bladensburg Races” remains... MORE

The Battle of Bladensburg remains embedded in the DNA of the District of Columbia National Guard. It’s important that we examine and understand our organization’s role during the Battle of Bladensburg because we are defined as much by our victories as by our failures; it is the broad expanse of our historical experiences that make the D.C. National Guard a unique, relevant, and foundational institution of our democracy.