And we must salute these valiant guardsmen at every opportunity.
Don't know if you want this for the Revolution ping list or not (it has a lot about Paul Revere).
The guard was first, before we had any U.S. Military.
The Dems' constant denigration of President Bush's National Guard service denigrates the Guard itself. But no one ever calls them on it.
Good post. Thanks!
I was on active duty with the National Guard back in '86 when the 350th celebration was held. We made a big deal out of it here in NH.
I have to take exception with the accuracy of the following passage...
"And the army – of citizens, tradesmen and farmers, with arms designed for hunting, not battle – that assembled during that famous night not only surprised and turned back the Redcoats, but overnight became the nucleus of the Continental Army. The National Guard."
1st - The Militia at Lexington & Concord (and most militias in the Colonies at the time) were armed with a mix of weaponry including both hunting and military firearms. In the mid-18th century, many communities outfitted their men with Committee of Safety Muskets which were American made copies of the British Long Land Pattern musket, the same basic type used by the British Army at the time.
2nd - The Militia was never considered part of the Continental Army. It always was treated as a distinct entity unto itself. The Continental Army was made up of men who enlisted for specific full time terms in state units as regular soldiers, not part time militiamen.
Wow! Great post - thanks!
Self PING
Thanks for posting this, Wagglebee. I just read it on WND and checked to see if it was already here.
To our National Guard, THANK YOU for your service!
With appreciation,