JACKSON, Wyo. — Responding to a request by the Federal government, more than 100 Wyoming National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have volunteered to support crowd control, communications and logistics during the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. on Jan. 20.
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said the Secret Service, Capitol Police, and U.S. Park Police requested the assistance. The Secret Service is the lead federal agency coordinating security for the inauguration next Wednesday.
According to the National Guard, several other states are activating to provide timely, safe, and proactive support to civilian authorities.
“We are proud to support, and be part of, the long tradition of supporting this historical event for our country,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, adjutant general for Wyoming. “When we are requested, we continue to provide our governor and civilian authorities properly manned, trained, and equipped forces available wherever and whenever they are needed.”
The Wyoming National Guard says that military support to inaugurations by Guard members dates back 232 years ago when Gen. George Washington began his inaugural journey from Mount Vernon, Va. to New York City. Local militias (the modern-day National Guard), joined his inaugural procession as it passed through towns along the route to be joined by members of the regular Army, additional local militia, and Revolutionary War veterans once Washington arrived in New York City. This presidential military escort then accompanied him to Federal Hall for the presidential oath. The National Guard and other military units have continued this tradition of inaugural support ever since.
In addition to the Guard’s growing presence in the nation’s capital, almost 1,900 Guard members are protecting state capitols and key infrastructure around the county.
More than 21,300 Guard members are also helping states respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting with vaccinations, testing, food bank support, and other missions.
