224 Years of Service: D.C. National Guard Honors Its First Muster, Reaffirms Commitment to Readiness

About this video

From the first militia muster in 1802 to today’s missions at home and abroad, the District of Columbia National Guard has stood ready to defend the nation’s capital and answer the call to serve. On Oct. 23, 2026, Soldiers and Airmen gathered to commemorate the 224th anniversary of the D.C. National Guard’s First Muster, honoring generations of citizen-Soldiers whose service helped shape American history. Major commands from the D.C. Army and Air National Guard stood united beneath organizational guidons and campaign streamers representing more than two centuries of service, sacrifice, and readiness. Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, reflected on the organization’s enduring legacy, its critical role in defending the nation’s capital, and the partnerships that strengthen its ability to respond to missions worldwide.

The ceremony featured the 257th Army Band, the D.C. National Guard Color Guard, and historical reflections from Capt. Andrew Hargroder, historian with the National Guard Bureau (NGB), who recounted the original muster of approximately 700 to 1,000 militiamen on Oct. 30, 1802. In a powerful connection between generations, Blanchard administered the oath of enlistment to new recruits, symbolizing the continuation of a legacy rooted in duty, service, and commitment. More than a commemoration, the First Muster reaffirmed that while missions, uniforms, and generations may change, the D.C. National Guard’s commitment to readiness, partnership, and the people it serves remains steadfast. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright and Master Sgt. Richard Mekkri)