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113 WG continues presidential Inauguration tradition

  • Published
  • By Pacifica Chehy
  • Capital Flyer Staff Writer
ANDREWS AFB, Md. --   The 113th Wing "Capital Guardians" will participate in a joint force effort with the D.C. National Guard in next week's presidential Inauguration. Teaming up with several thousand National Guard members who have been called upon to support local, state and federal agencies, the members of the 113 WG will help to ensure that the event is a safe and secure environment for Inauguration attendees. 

"The 113th Wing will be lending support and participating in a ceremonial event with a rich history, as the National Guard has long supported inaugural events," said Capt. Byron Coward, 113 WG executive and public affairs officer. 

Military presence at early Inaugurations dates back to President George Washington. "The military presence at early Inaugurations came from local militia companies that took it upon themselves to escort the president," said Captain Coward. "When George Washington left his home in Mount Vernon, Va., to travel to the then-seat of government, New York City, local militias, or the modern-day National Guard, escorted him along the way." 

From that point on, militia companies have provided support to the incoming commander in chief, including escorting Thomas Jefferson to Washington and local Virginia militia companies escorting James Madison after the swearing in ceremony. In fact, according to Captain Coward, the first inaugural parade was a seemingly spontaneous event when Virginia militiamen escorting President James Monroe staged a parade in Monroe's honor. 

During the 1950s, The Joint Armed Forces Inaugural Committee was formed in an effort to centralize efforts. "This temporary, joint military command forms every four years solely to coordinate DoD support to inaugural activities," said Captain Coward. "It works with the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, coordinating the participation of military units and escorts and some transportation and medical services." 

"We have been preparing for this day since before the election," said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey R. Johnson, 113 WG commander. "We will be providing force support by assisting in traffic control, crowd management, setting up logistics, and we'll even have some of our people marching in the parade." 

For Tuesday's ceremony, the 113 WG will assist the D.C. NG in providing logistical, communication, medical and ceremonial support. "Military support at the inauguration is designed to honor the commander in chief, while recognizing civilian control of the military and to celebrate democracy," said Captain Coward. 

National Guard units from eight states and districts will participate in the day's events including D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, Delaware and Arizona.