WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) – Thousands of National Guard members from across the U.S. were called upon to support the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
For the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the D.C. National Guard will lead support efforts, alongside approximately 8,000 Army and Air National Guard service members from 40 states and territories.
WAVY confirmed the Virginia National Guard has approximately 250 personnel supporting the inauguration.
The Secret Service, U.S. Capitol and Metropolitan Police requested support from National Guard personnel to assist with crowd management, traffic control, emergency response services, communication and other functions.
Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of the Virginia met with Virginia Army National Guard soldiers Sunday.
The National Guard involvement in presidential inaugurations began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration.
