In 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded by Puritan colonists from England. In order to better defend themselves from Native Americans and other colonists, the colony's General Court ordered the formation of a militia. Today, the descendants of these original regiments—the 181st Infantry Regiment, the 182nd Infantry Regiment, the 101st Field Artillery Regiment and the 101st Engineer Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard—carry on Colonel Brewer’s legacy.

We recognize December 13th as the birthday of the National Guard.

The American militia system was established in 1636, when the first militia regiments were organized. The Massachusetts Bay Colony’s General Court passed a law requiring all able-bodied men between ages 16 and 60 to possess arms, ammunition, and equipment for military service on call of the governor.