To designate the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States.
PL 112-241 (H.R.1339), enacted 01/10/2013

126 STAT. 2372 
PUBLIC LAW 112–241—JAN. 10, 2013 
Public Law 112–241 
112th Congress 
An Act 
To designate the City of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National 
Guard of the United States. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. OFFICIAL DESIGNATION OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, AS 
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF THE 
UNITED STATES. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: 
(1) In 1629, Captain John Endicott organized the first 
militia in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Salem. 
(2) The colonists had adopted the English militia system, 
which required all males between the ages of 16 and 60 to 
possess arms and participate in the defense of the community. 
(3) In 1636, the Massachusetts General Court ordered the 
organization of three militia regiments, designated as the 
North, South, and East regiments. 
(4) These regiments drilled once a week and provided guard 
details each evening to sound the alarm in case of attack. 
(5) The East Regiment, the predecessor of the 101st Engi-
neer Battalion, assembled as a regiment for the first time 
in 1637 on the Salem Common, marking the beginning of 
the Massachusetts National Guard and the National Guard 
of the United States. 
(6) Since 1785, Salem’s own Second Corps of Cadets (101st 
and 102nd Field Artillery) has celebrated the anniversary of 
that first muster. 
(7) As the policy contained in section 102 of title 32, United 
States Code, clearly expresses, the National Guard continues 
its historic mission of providing units for the first line defense 
of the United States and current missions throughout the world. 
(8) The designation of the City of Salem, Massachusetts, 
as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States 
will contribute positively to tourism and economic development 
in the city, create jobs, and instill pride in both the local 
and State communities. 
(b) DESIGNATION
OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, AS NATIONAL 
GUARD BIRTHPLACE.—In light of the findings made in subsection 
(a), the City of Salem, Massachusetts, is hereby designated as 
the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United States. 
(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.— 
(1) MILITARY
CEREMONIAL
SUPPORT.—The Chief of the 
National Guard Bureau, in conjunction with the Secretary of 
32 USC 101 note. 
Jan. 10, 2013 
[H.R. 1339] 
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126 STAT. 2373 
PUBLIC LAW 112–241—JAN. 10, 2013 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 1339: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 158 (2012): 
Mar. 28, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 21, considered and passed Senate. 
the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Council of Gov-
ernors, and the Adjutant General of the State of Massachusetts, 
shall provide military ceremonial support at the dedication 
of any monument, plaque, or other form of official recognition 
placed in Salem, Massachusetts, celebrating the designation 
of Salem, Massachusetts, as the Birthplace of the National 
Guard of the United States. 
(2) FUNDING SOURCE.—Federal funds may not be used to 
design, procure, prepare, install, or maintain any monument, 
plaque, or other form of official recognition placed in Salem, 
Massachusetts, celebrating the designation of Salem, Massachu-
setts, as the Birthplace of the National Guard of the United 
States, but the Adjutant General of the State of Massachusetts 
may accept and expend contributions of non-Federal funds for 
this purpose. 
Approved January 10, 2013. 
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