State Defense Forces across the nation are known not only for their military readiness and response capaibility, but also for the countless volunteer hours they dedicate to serving their communities in unique and meaningful ways. Their commitment often extends far beyond the call of duty. The California State Guard, for example, helps restore and maintain military uniforms, vehicles, flags, and weapons as part of their work with the California Military Department’s State Military Museums & Historical Artifacts program. In Texas, the Texas State Guard runs its annual Toys for Tots program, delivering tens of thousands of toys to underprivileged children, including those in hospitals undergoing treatment. These efforts exemplify the extraordinary dedication of State Defense Forces nationwide.
A recent example of this dedication can be found in Maryland, where the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) played a crucial role in saving and restoring a historic World War II mural. The mural, “Arsenal of Democracy,” was originally painted in 1943 by soldiers Clarence S. McWilliams and Frank Schwartzlander. Measuring 35 by 40 feet, the mural depicts American soldiers, workers, and families united in the war effort, symbolized by a giant “V” for victory. For decades, it adorned the walls of the Fort George G. Meade Museum, until the museum closed and the mural faced imminent destruction.
In 2021, the Maryland Center for Military History rescued the mural, but preserving it required extensive collaboration and support. Volunteers from the Maryland Defense Force joined with the Maryland National Guard, museum staff, Fort Meade Garrison personnel, and generous donors to ensure the mural would survive. Among those donors was Kirk McWilliams, son of muralist Clarence McWilliams, who contributed funds to aid in its professional restoration and installation.
On September 2, 2025, the mural was unveiled at the reopening of the Maryland Museum of Military History at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore. The event marked not only the mural’s return to public view but also celebrated its historical significance. “The mural captured the way that it took a team of ordinary Americans, working at home and in the military, to defend liberty across our globe,” said Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General for Maryland.
For the McWilliams family, the unveiling was deeply emotional. “When I came in this morning and looked at that mural, I got tears right away,” said Kirk McWilliams. “We’re honored to have my dad’s mural mounted here, and we very much appreciate everybody that was involved in it.” Through the project, the McWilliams family shared stories of Clarence’s service and artistic talents, passing his legacy down to children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The reopening of the Maryland Museum of Military History also featured the dedication of the former Officers’ Regimental Room to the Maryland 400, honoring the Revolutionary War soldiers who sacrificed themselves at the Battle of Brooklyn to save George Washington’s army. Exhibits have been refreshed and expanded, with highlights including the shrapnel-pierced bass drum of 16-year-old Walter Russell from the Battle of Antietam, stories of Marylanders who served with the 29th Infantry Division in WWII, and a new Iraq War exhibit donated by Retired Capt. Joseph Shaffer.
Barbara Taylor, director of the museum, emphasized the mural’s broader importance: “It is a vital piece of our state history that illustrates the spirit and sacrifices of Americans made to support the war effort.”
By preserving and restoring this artwork, the Maryland Defense Force and their partners have ensured that “Arsenal of Democracy” continues to inspire future generations, standing as a powerful reminder of unity, sacrifice, and the enduring mission of citizen-soldiers.
Sources: Maryland National Guard – Radio Hub Free City – Maryland National Guard
