July 14th 2016–Many of our Band of Brothers are Army National Guard veterans. I actually did a one-year stint after getting out of the USAF into the reserves at the unit in Lexington OK. Tents just didn’t work for me having been Air Force so later I switched to the Air National Guard. This article is dedicated to all our veterans who signed up to serve our country in the Oklahoma National Guard. It is an interesting bit of history I hope you will enjoy.

On this day in 1825 the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to America in was in every sense a triumphal procession. The 2nd Battalion, 11th New York Artillery, was one of many militias turned out to welcome him. This unit decided to adopt the title “National Guard” in honor of Lafayette’s command of the Garde Nationale de Paris during the French Revolution. The 11th Battalion, later designated as the 7th Regiment, was prominent in the line of march on the occasion of Lafayette’s final passage through New York enroute home to France. Taking note of the troops named for his old command he jumped from his carriage walked down the line clasping each officer by the hand as he proceeded. The 7th New York, with its designation “National Guard” went on to become one of the most famous of all Guard units well into the 20th century. Its nickname has come to represent all American militia for more than century.

Our regular meetings continue the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:00 PM. The next meeting is Thursday July 21st. The Monday morning Koffee Klatch meeting for July are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and maybe a waffle or two and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Keep your eye on the weather in case things have to be postponed. That will be most likely if the storms bring strong winds and lightning. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep