On July 4th, 2025, The Connecticut Governor’s Guard (State Defense Force)—comprising the First and Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard—celebrated America’s Independence Day with pageantry, remembrance, and a light-hearted poke at the old mother country. As one of the oldest military units in continuous existence in the United States, the Governor’s Guard used the occasion not only to honor its own proud lineage but to reflect on the roots of the nation’s military tradition.
This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it marked 250 years since the events that sparked the birth of the United States Army. On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army to unify colonial forces rebelling against British control. That same American spirit of defiance was alive in the Connecticut Militia, whose members rose up in arms against the King’s forces in Massachusetts. These early patriots laid the foundation for what would evolve into today’s United States Army—and for what would become Connecticut’s own historic military formations, including the Governor’s Guard and Connecticut National Guard.
The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard participated in a moving Independence Day tribute alongside the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution as well as many other historical associations, and members of the New Haven community at the historic Grove Street. The annual event, held now for 73 years, commemorates American Revolutionary heroes such as General David Humphreys and Roger Sherman—whose signatures and sacrifices helped forge a new nation. Muskets fired, flags were carefully placed, and colors were presented with solemn dignity, all underscoring a deep commitment to honoring the men who won America’s liberty through sacrifice and courage.
Meanwhile, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard marked the day with messages of patriotism and light-hearted jabs at Britain. In a spirit of celebratory fun, the Guard posted a good-natured nod to the defeat of Great Britain, recognizing that once, long ago, America was merely a set of colonies under foreign rule. The First Company also reminded followers of its historic privilege: having escorted General George Washington and French General Rochambeau through Connecticut on September 20, 1780—a moment of immense symbolic value in the Revolutionary War.
Earlier this summer, on June 14—Flag Day and the official birthday of the United States Army—the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard reaffirmed its support for the modern U.S. Army and honored the adoption of the American flag. Both units stood in tribute to the national military’s enduring mission and the unifying power of the Stars and Stripes.
As Americans gather this year to celebrate 250 years of independence, the Connecticut Governor’s Guard and many other State Defense Forces stand tall as a living embodiment of the nation’s earliest defenders. Their legacy traces directly to the 17th-century colonial militias—local citizens who trained and stood ready to defend their communities. These same militias would become the backbone of the American Revolution and ultimately evolve into the State Defense Forces of today, alongside the modern National Guard and the U.S. Army.
In their solemn ceremonies and spirited messages, The Connecticut Governor’s Guard reminded all Americans that the story of independence is not only history—it is tradition, service, and pride passed from generation to generation.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard wishes our friends, family, and brothers & sisters overseas, a very happy 4th of July.
The First Company is grateful for having the opportunity and privilege of escorting General George Washington and French General Rochambeau on September 20, 1780.
As we conclude the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend, and hope that our friends and families had a great time, we stand proud to yet again be included in the Columbia 4th of July Parade.
On this Independence Day weekend, the Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard proudly joined the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution, local Boy Scouts, and members of the community at Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven for a moving tribute to the heroes of the American Revolution.
For 73 years, this annual ceremony has honored the memory of patriots like General David Humphreys and Roger Sherman—whose signatures helped forge our nation—and veterans such as Isaac Gilbert and Edmond Sherman, all laid to rest in this historic ground.
Flags were placed, muskets fired, and colors presented in solemn remembrance. It was a powerful reminder that our freedoms were secured through courage, sacrifice, and unity—and that it is our duty to remember and honor those who gave us this great nation.
As one of the oldest military organizations in the country, the 2GFG is humbled to stand in that legacy and continue the tradition of service, remembrance, and celebration.
Happy Birthday, America!
Sources: First Company of Governors Foot Guard – Second Company of Governors Foot Guard
