The Massachusetts Bay colonial militia assembled for the first time on a brisk
December morning in 1636 and set in motion America’s time honored tradition
of service as Citizen Soldiers. The farmers, shop keepers, carpenters and
blacksmiths of Salem formed ranks on the village green, organized and began
training to provide protection from the growing hostility of the Pequot Indians,
which would result in war by the next year. Given the austere nature of the
rugged new frontier and its inherent dangers, the value of the early National
Guard became an institution of vital necessity upon its inception.
Over the past 377 years, America has preserved the integrity of its militia
nation. Even before its statehood was granted in 1820, Maine has set the
standard for its commitment to the common defense of our homeland and
preserved the promise of freedom for countless masses around the world.
Our tradition of valor and selfless service in answering every call to arms has
earned the affinity of our fellow service members and our nation’s citizens
alike. Each generation of Maine Citizen Soldiers has distinguished itself
by excelling in the face of great danger and hardship in closing with and
destroying the enemies of our nation and defending the lives and property of
our citizens. Our currently serving soldiers of the Maine Army National Guard
are no exception.
This year of operations has carried our soldiers from their homes to foreign
lands in Afghanistan, Kosovo, El Salvador, Pakistan, Montenegro, Canada,
Kuwait, Bosnia, Germany, and virtually every corner of the Unites States.
Never has the Maine Army National Guard performed at a higher level of
readiness or as a more professional force than in 2013. Our proficiency in
manning, equipping and training our units for mobilizations and regional
contingencies continues to be the envy of the nation.
In closing, the leadership team of the Maine Army National Guard wishes
to express its deepest gratitude to our soldiers, families and employers for
the dedication and sacrifice you continue to demonstrate. Like the early
colonialists that carved a nation from the cold and desolate wilderness, the
indomitable spirit of the Militia Nation is alive and inextinguishable in Maine.
May the New Year bring each of you blessings of peace and prosperity and
thank you again for your service in America’s oldest living institution.
Bayonets Forward!
Colonel J.R. Mosher
Chief of Staff
From the Chief of Staff