National Guard
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
With the National Guard in the news lately, I’ve been thinking about the armory on Main Street here in Melrose.
The 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard has one of the most extraordinary lineages in American military history. It’s among the oldest military units in the United States, with roots dating all the way back to 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony formally organized its early militia.
This storied unit was active at the very start of the American Revolution in April 1775, serving in the Continental Army and fighting in iconic battles at Lexington & Concord.
Through the centuries, the 182nd continued to answer the call:
- War of 1812: Served in the Elite Brigade defending Boston.
- Civil War: Mustered in 1861, fought at First Bull Run, and later served in North Carolina and Baltimore.
- Spanish-American War (1898): Activated but remained stateside.
- World War I: Served in France as the 3rd Pioneer Infantry Regiment.
- World War II: Deployed to the Pacific Theater as part of the Americal Division.
- Post-WWII: Reorganized as the 182nd Regimental Combat Team; headquarters moved to Melrose in 1955.
- Post-9/11 era: Supported various domestic missions (including airport and homeland security) and deployed soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan.
- The 1-182 IN supported numerous domestic operations including COVID 1 and 2, and OPERATION CAPITOL RESPONSE. Almost 100 Soldiers conducted COVID testing and administered vaccines throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Today, the Melrose armory serves as a Massachusetts Army National Guard readiness center, providing space for training, administration, and equipment storage.
It stands as a vital part of our military infrastructure and a visible reminder of the long tradition of service in our community.
The 1-182nd Infantry Battalion is a living monument to American resilience—evolving from colonial militia to a modern infantry force and participating in nearly every major conflict from the Revolution to the Global War on Terror. Its deep roots and enduring service make it a cornerstone of the Citizen-Soldier tradition.
I’m proud of the sacrifices these soldiers have made—and continue to make—for our freedom.
