The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment is a ceremonial Foot guards regiment of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. It takes its name from the famous 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and is a public duties unit.
| 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Founded | November 20, 2008 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Ceremonial regiment |
History edit
The preexisting Massachusetts National Guard's Honor Guard, was re-designated as the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment.[1][2] In doing so the unit assumed the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, which preceded it and which fought in the American Civil War.[3] The 54th was made famous through its representation in the 1989 film Glory.[4]
The unit was raised on November 21, 2008, and designated the Massachusetts National Guard ceremonial unit, forming an honor guard at military funerals and other state functions.[3] It was invited to march in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade.[1][5] In 2023, members of the unit were present when Concord, Massachusetts honored the death of Private George Washington Dugan, who died while serving with the predecessor unit.[6]
References edit
- ^ a b "54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment". Massachusetts National Guard. 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ "Patrick Renames Ceremonial Guard Unit to Honor 54th Mass". iBerkshires.com. North Adams, Massachusetts: Boxcar Media. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
Xu, Kaili (22 November 2008). "Historic regiment reinstated". The Enterprise. Brockton, Massachusetts. Retrieved 12 March 2024. - ^ a b Kibbe, David (21 November 2008). "Famed 54th Massachusetts formally reactivated". Cape Cod Times. Hyannis, Massachusetts. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
- ^ Kibbe, Dave (23 November 2008). "'Glory' for 54th Mass National Guard". Cape Cod Times. Hyannis, Massachusetts. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ McAfee, Tierney (14 January 2009). "54th Mass. Regiment to march in inaugural parade". The Banner. Dorchester, Massachusetts. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ Longo, Oliver (17 July 2023). "Faithful Unto Death: Concord honors Black Civil War soldier 160 years later (Photo Gallery)". The Concord Bridge. Concord, Massachusetts. Retrieved 12 March 2024.