Mass. National Guard celebrates 386th birthday at State House

  Earlier last week the Massachusetts National Guard celebrated its’ 386^th birthday at the State House while also Commissioning this year’s class of Army and Air Officers, awarding the Governor’s 20 Military Marksmanship Award and presenting other military awards. The Massachusetts National Guard, the Nation’s First, was established by a charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony legislature on December 13, 1636. Rep. Joe McGonagle joined several colleagues in honoring this momentous occasion and recognizing some Massachusetts heroes.

  “Today we celebrated another incredible event honoring Massachusetts members of the military who have made incredible and continued sacrifices for all of us in the Commonwealth,” said McGonagle. “Major General Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General of Massachusetts, always does a great job at these events and it’s special to be back in person celebrating right before the holidays and especially with the Governor before he departs his office. I was thrilled to meet so many of my heroes, including 97-year-old World War II veteran Sergeant Robert DeYeso, Master Sergeant Tom Ardita of Everett and Brigadier General John J. Driscoll, Land Component Commander at the Hanscom Air Force Base. I’d like to thank all those who helped make the event a success, especially Senator Walter Timilty, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, and a special shoutout to my good friend and colleague Rep. Jerry Parisella of Beverly, a Lieutenant Colonel who is an active member of the Mass. National Guard.”