News from the 150th Anniversary of the Kansas National Guard Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       Aug. 29, 2005

No. 150-05-014

CEREMONY MARKS KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD’S 150th BIRTHDAY

The public is cordially invited to a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the official 150th Birthday of the Kansas National Guard. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. in the second floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, commander in chief of the Kansas National Guard, and Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, will cut a ceremonial cake. A ceremonial artillery canister will be presented and the governor will read a proclamation marking the event. A reception with refreshments will follow the ceremony.

“On behalf of the people of our state, we respect and appreciate the Kansas National Guard’s tradition of service and excellence,” said Sebelius. “I am honored to join Gen. Bunting, our guardsmen and their families, and all Kansans in this culmination of 150 years.”

“One hundred fifty years of service to our state and nation – that’s a proud achievement,” said Bunting. “We’ve been celebrating all year long and will continue through the end of the year. And in another 50 years, when we turn 200, you can be sure that the Kansas National Guard will still be on duty, serving and protecting Kansas and our country.”

The Kansas National Guard began as the Kansas Territorial Militia on Aug. 30, 1855, with Hiram J. Strickler appointed as its first adjutant general the next day. Since that time, Kansas Guardsmen have served in every major conflict our nation has faced, from the Civil War through current operations in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

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