By 1808Delaware
A tradition since 1788 continues to this day, and the Ohio National Guard is celebrating that achievement.
This weekend, the Guard is celebrating 232 years of service to its fellow citizens, an anniversary recognized across the country and here in Ohio.
To honor the occasion, Major General John C. Harris, Jr., Adjutant General for the State of Ohio, shared a letter titled “The Buckeye Spirit: The Ohio National Guard celebrates its 232nd birthday.”
Major General Harris began his letter this way:
“This year, the Ohio National Guard celebrates 232 years of dedicated and faithful service to Ohio and the United States of America. The millions of men and women who have stood in our formations since July 25, 1788, have left a legacy of which all of Ohio can be proud.
While time and technology have changed our uniforms, equipment, and tactics, our mission has endured. We remain a group of Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen who stand ready to serve and defend when needed the most. The commitment of the more than 16,000 men and women who currently stand in our formations represent the best of Ohio. I am in awe of their extraordinary service and determination.”
The full letter can be read here.
Delaware County is certainly no stranger to the tradition of the citizen-soldier, which began locally when the War of 1812 caused local men to volunteer for service. Today, the Guard’s Delaware Readiness Center on Houk Road is home to multiple Ohio Army National Guard units.
The facility was constructed in 2015 at a cost of $11.4 million, and sits on 17 acres of land.
Governor Mike DeWine share words of congratulations and thanks with the Ohio National Guard this week:
? Happy 232nd birthday, @OHNationalGuard! ?
Your work to support Ohioans during the #COVID19 pandemic has been incredibly valuable, and #Ohio is grateful! pic.twitter.com/EH0536mqlH
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) July 25, 2020
