National Guard Marks Its 374th Birthday on Dec. 13

RALEIGH, NC (12/10/2010)(readMedia)-- The North Carolina National Guard will hold a ceremony to commemorate the National Guard's birthday. The event will be held at the Claude T. Bowers Military Complex at 4105 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh at 2:00 pm on the anniversary of the creation of National Guard; Dec. 13. The event marks the 374th year of service of the National Guard.

The National Guard is unique among U.S. Reserve Forces because they serve a dual mission for both the state and the federal government. In times of natural or manmade disasters, the governor can call upon the Guard to assist in clean up or support operations for the community. However, the Guard can also be activated to serve as a reserve component to the Army or Air Force as well.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, almost 18,000 North Carolina National Guardsmen have deployed abroad in operations throughout the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan. National Guard Soldiers have also been heavily engaged in just about every aspect of the war on terror at home or overseas with nearly all units having been called to active duty, actively serving or currently on alert.

The North Carolina Air National Guard has provided air support to hurricane relief efforts in addition to their wartime commitment in the Middle East, where it also has troops deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

The Guard remains committed to the legacy that began nearly 400 years ago on the village green of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Since that time, the citizens who fill its ranks have protected the lives, liberty and property of friends, family and neighbors. Though technology, weapons and geography may have changed, the mission remains the same.

Media representatives who wish to attend are requested to RSVP to the North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs Office at (919) 664-6242. During after-duty hours, please call (919) 612-5061 or email pao@ng.army.mil. You can visit our website at www.nc.ngb.army.mil; or follow us on Twitter at @NCNationalGuard or http://twitter.com/ncnationalguard.You can also become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raleigh/North-Carolina-National-Guard/114802901909136.