The Connecticut Governor’s Guards (State Defense Force)—comprising the historic Horse and Foot Guard units—once again took center stage on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, as they joined fellow citizen-soldiers on the New Haven Green to commemorate the 250th Powder House Day. This year’s ceremony was especially poignant, marking a quarter millennium since those momentous events unfolded in April 1775 on Lexington and Concord’s grounds. In retracing the footsteps of the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (2GFG), members embodied the same spirit of duty that drove their Revolutionary predecessors, precisely five days after the first shots of the American Revolution.
With the resonant toll of church bells echoing across the Green, the day began with a stirring reenactment of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards Jr.’s summons to Captain Benedict Arnold and his men. In the spirit of those early patriots, the 2GFG marched from Center Church on the Green—where Rev. Ashley Cleere presided over a solemn service—and pressed toward the powder house. There, in a moment of historical remembrance, Captain Arnold’s bold demand for the keys from the local magistrate was restaged, underscoring the moment Connecticut formally raised its colors in defense of liberty. The scene—faith and fervor intertwined—brought into sharp relief how faith communities provided moral sustenance to the revolutionary cause and set the tone for armed resistance.
Joining the Second Company were an array of esteemed sister units whose presence underscored collective remembrance and mutual respect. The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard (CT), the First Company Governor’s Horse Guard (CT), the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (CT), Sheldon’s Horse (Second Continental Light Dragoons), and The Kentish Guard of Rhode Island all marched in solidarity, their uniforms and standards a living tapestry of Colonial and modern military heritage. Their participation reflected not only shared military traditions but also the interlocking commitments of State Defense Forces to preserve and honor history. It was a stirring testament to the bonds that tie these units together, each of them bearing unique lineage yet united in purpose.
Distinguished guests lent further gravitas to the occasion: Brigadier General Ralph F. Hedenberg of the Connecticut State Military Department offered remarks highlighting the enduring role of the Governor’s Guards in Connecticut’s defense framework; Commander Martin Howley of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands spoke to the broader significance of militia heritage; and The Honorable Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven, affirmed the city’s deep appreciation for those who volunteer to safeguard both past and present. Dr. Michael Coppola, a direct descendant of early 2GFG commandants, brought a family connection that bridged centuries, while Ann Zumwalt—daughter of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt and sponsor of the USS Zumwalt—served as a poignant reminder that service often extends across generations. Their combined presence underscored that Powder House Day is not merely a reenactment but an opportunity to honor living ties to our nation’s founding.
Behind the scenes, Center Church on the Green graciously opened its historic sanctuary for the reenacted service, providing a reverent space akin to that of 1775. Rev. Ashley Cleere’s stewardship of the service allowed attendees to reflect on the moral resolve that animated the original foot soldiers. Families, friends, and local residents lined the streets, cheering as the Guards processed by, their steps echoing through two-and-a-half centuries. Their presence served as a vibrant reminder that history is not only recounted—it is lived, celebrated, and renewed by each successive generation.
A few weeks later, during Memorial Day weekend, the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard once again donned its ceremonial tricorns and muskets, participating humbly in five parades across Connecticut—North Haven, Branford, North Branford, Shelton-Derby, and Oxford. Marching not for spectacle but in somber remembrance, the Guards encountered a family bearing a hand-crafted banner commemorating Corporal Carl Dyvad of the 42nd Infantry Division, who fell in World War I on July 28, 1918, on Hill 212 in Sergy, France. That moment crystallized the deeper meaning of every ceremonial march: each step taken honors sacrifices made, stories carried forward, and freedoms secured at great cost. “We march because freedom was bought with blood,” they reminded onlookers—an ethos that resonates equally with Powder House Day’s call to recall 1775.
As 2025 unfolds, we are reminded that this year does not merely mark another anniversary—it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution itself. The events of April 1775, beginning with Lexington and Concord, set in motion a fight for independence that reverberated through the colonies and onto a world stage. For State Defense Forces across the nation—many of whom trace their lineages to colonial militias—this year is an opportunity to reflect on the profound legacy of citizen-soldiery. From Texas to Maine, these modern-day Guardians will participate in commemorations of pivotal moments in 1775—whether at Powder House sites, muster fields, or Revolutionary War encampments—to honor the courage of those who first answered the call.
In Connecticut, the Governor’s Horse and Foot Guard units stand ready to continue this tradition of remembrance. By retracing the marches of their predecessors on Powder House Day and by marching in solemn memory on Memorial Day, they demonstrate that history is an unbroken chain connecting past to present. As fellow units across the country prepare for events marking battles like Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the formation of local militias, it is clear that the spirit of 1775 endures. In commemorating these foundational events, State Defense Forces reaffirm their commitment to service—upholding the same values of duty, honor, and sacrifice that forged our republic 250 years ago.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard was honored to join its sister units in the 250th Anniversary Celebration of Powder House Day.
Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard, originally based out of New Haven, but now housed in Branford, took to downtown New Haven to commemorate when, under Captain Benedict Arnold, the keys to the powder house were demanded in order to arm themselves and begin the march to Cambridge, Massachusetts. In turn, marking the entry of New Haven and Connecticut into the American Revolution in 1775.
On Saturday, May 10th, 2025, the New Haven Green came alive with a powerful blend of pageantry and patriotism as we commemorated the 250th Powder House Day—a tradition echoing back to April 1775, just days after the battles of Lexington and Concord. We retraced the historic march of the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (2GFG) as they responded to the call of war, beginning with a stirring reenactment of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards Jr.’s invitation to Captain Benedict Arnold and his troops. From the solemn church service to Arnold’s bold demand for the keys to the armory from the local magistrate, the day’s events paid tribute to both courage and conviction. We are honored to have been joined and supported by fellow units who stood with us in remembrance and solidarity: The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard CT, The First Company Governor’s Horse Guards CT, The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard CT, Sheldon’s Horse (Second Continental Light Dragoons), The Kentish Guard of Rhode Island, and others. Special thanks as well to our distinguished guests and friends of the 2GFG whose presence made the day even more meaningful:
Brigadier General Ralph F. Hedenberg of the Connecticut State Military Department
Commander Martin Howley of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands
The Honorable Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven, CT
Dr. Michael Coppola, descendant of early 2GFG commandants
Ann Zumwalt, daughter of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt and sponsor of the USS Zumwalt
We extend our deepest thanks to Center Church On The Green and Rev. @Ashley Cleere for so graciously hosting the reenacted service within their historic sanctuary. Their hospitality and reverence for the occasion enriched the experience for all in attendance and offered a powerful connection to the spiritual foundations of the original moment. To the families, friends, and supporters who came out to line the streets, cheer the parade, and join us in worship and remembrance—thank you. Your presence reminds us that history is not only something we commemorate—it’s something we continue to live together. Swipe through the moments: from musket salutes to heartfelt prayers, feathered helmets to modern uniforms, every image tells a story of service, legacy, and community spirit.
New Haven, CT- Today Troopers of the 1GHG joined our sister units in celebrating Powder House Day and the 250th anniversary of the Second Company Governors Foot Guard.
