FOR RELEASE: Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 –
CONTACT: Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, 720-250-1053, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@mail.mil
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – By order of Gov. Jared Polis, at least 230 members of the Colorado Army and Air National Guard will support a request from the District of Columbia and federal civilian authorities for National Guard support to the 59th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20, 2021.
The U.S. Secret Service is the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, and implementing security for presidential inaugurations.
Historically, the CONG, along with the other 53 States and territories, send support to the District of Columbia National Guard for the inauguration to provide security for the peaceful transition of political power, which our nation has enjoyed since President George Washington handed the office over to the leadership of President John Adams March 4, 1797.
“The Colorado National Guard has a proud tradition of supporting the presidential inauguration,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Laura Clellan said. “Our Soldiers and Airmen stand ready to assist, as requested, should an incident occur.”
The CONG members will be part of a larger task force augmenting district and federal agencies with a range of support, including security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety. In 2017, more than 7,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen served with the specially created joint task force. More than 25,000 NG members will support this year’s National Special Security Event.
National Guard members will be postured to meet the requirements of the supported civil authorities.
National Guard members continue to adhere to CDC safety guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. The CONG’s support to our local, state and federal partners during the pandemic continues uninterrupted.
National Guard support to presidential inaugurations dates to April 30, 1789, when local militia members (today’s National Guard) joined the U.S. Army and revolutionary war veterans to form an honor detail and escort President Washington to his inauguration ceremony in New York City from Mount Vernon, Virginia.
Over the years, National Guard involvement has grown and is designated to honor the commander-in-chief, recognize civilian control of the military, and celebrate democracy.