History of the Michigan National Guard

As early as November, 1708, French settlers in Detroit wanted to set up a militia to protect their town. The earliest record of a militia in Michigan was a parade in Detroit in 1803. Ever since then, Michigan's military has defended its people and fought for the causes of our democratic core values--liberty, justice, and freedom for all.

Even though just a territory, Michigan's militia fought for the United States against England during the War of 1812. After that, Michigan troops marched on Ohio over the piece of land where Toledo is today. Andrew Jackson, who was the President at the time, finally settled the dispute by giving Michigan the Upper Peninsula and Ohio got Toledo.

Citizens of Michigan were some of the first to answer the President's call to defend the Union at the start of the Civil War. Legend has it that Abraham Lincoln said, "Thank God for Michigan" when Michigan's soldiers showed up in Washington.

Michigan troops answered the call to fight for our country in the war with Mexico and the Spanish-American War. They also served to protect the State of Michigan during the Copper Strikes in the Upper Peninsula and later, during labor troubles in Flint and southern Michigan.

Soldiers from Michigan and Wisconsin banded together to form the famed 32nd "Red Arrow" Infantry Division. These troops won many battles and recognition during both the First and Second World Wars. The 32nd Division holds the record for the most days in combat of any U.S. military unit during World War II.

Several Michigan National Guard units were called up to serve during the Korean War. One unit, the 1279th Combat Engineers, whose members were all African-American, established the record for setting up a bridge over the Rhine River in Germany the fastest. Their record still stands today.

During the Persian Gulf War, over 1,600 members of the Michigan National Guard served with distinction. This proud tradition of service carries on today as many Michigan Guard members are on duty today to protect our homeland or support the war on terrorism.

The Michigan National Guard Today

About 11,000 citizens of Michigan are members of the Michigan National Guard. The Army National Guard has soldiers who use tanks, bulldozers, trucks, and other equipment to do their jobs. The Air National Guard has fighter jets and cargo planes.

The National Guard is a special part of the military. The National Guard has two duties. First, they have to help defend the country. Their second job is to help the state, such as after tornados or floods. The Michigan National Guard has armories and air bases in cities all over the state.

Members of the National Guard are called citizen-soldiers, just like the Minutemen during the Revolutionary War. This is because most of them have regular jobs and are in the military on a part-time basis. They are teachers, lawyers, doctors, police officers, firefighters, factory workers, and store workers. There is probably someone in the National Guard living in your neighborhood or town.

Related Content:

> Michigan National Guard History

> The Michigan National Guard's Dual Mission

> Michigan Army National Guard

> Michigan Air National Guard