Tierney’s Bill to Recognize Salem as the Birthplace of the National Guard Passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved Congressman John Tierney’s legislation to designate Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard. The bipartisan bill, which has 116 co-sponsors, passed a critical step and will now go to the Senate for its consideration. The bill passed by a vote of 413 to 6, with 4 Members voting “present.”

“I was pleased that the House considered and approved my bill to formally recognize Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard. Our country’s earliest military regiment first met, organized and conducted drills in Salem to prepare for defending the local community. It has been a privilege to spearhead this important legislation, which pays tribute to those who first defended our country almost 375 years ago and honors those men and women who serve in our National Guard today,” Congressman Tierney said.

In another tribute:  “Early this morning, before sunrise, the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 182nd Infantry Regiment returned to Massachusetts after a one year deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 182nd Infantry is one of four units in the United States Military that traces its lineage directly to the citizen soldiers who first mustered on the Salem Green in 1637. The return of the 182nd on the same day this legislation was passed is a fitting coincidence that illustrates that the National Guard continues to be not only relevant to our Nation’s defense but indispensable. On behalf of the Massachusetts National Guard, I want to express my thanks to Congressman Tierney and his colleagues in Congress for recognizing the past and present service of the National Guard and the historical importance of the great City of Salem, Massachusetts,” Major General Joseph C. Carter said.

Last year, similar legislation introduced by Congressman Tierney passed the House as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. However, the Senate failed to pass the amendment and it was not included in the final version of the bill. Since that time, Congressman Tierney has worked to bring his legislation to the House floor for a vote in advance of the 375th anniversary of the First Muster, which is being commemorated on Salem Common in April.

The nation’s first militia, which was the foundation for what would become the National Guard, first mustered on Salem Common in 1637.  In 2007, Salem City Council unanimously adopted a resolution naming the City of Salem as the birthplace of the National Guard. The Massachusetts State Legislature subsequently adopted a similar resolution providing that designation.