National Lancers facts for kids
The National Lancers are a special group of volunteer soldiers in Massachusetts. They are a type of cavalry unit, which means they used to fight on horseback. Today, they are part of the Massachusetts Organized Militia, working alongside the Massachusetts National Guard and the Massachusetts State Defense Force.
Quick facts for kids National Lancers |
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|---|---|
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  Massachusetts |
| Type |  Cavalry |
| Role | Ceremonial Search and rescue |
| Part of | Massachusetts Organized Militia |
| Garrison/HQ | Framingham, Massachusetts |
| Motto(s) | Union, Liberty and the Law |
| Anniversaries | 31 October 1836 |
| Engagements | Battle of Antietam Battle of Cold Harbor Battle of Fredericksburg Battle of Gettysburg Siege of Petersburg Battle of Spottsylvania Battle of the Wilderness Aisne-Marne Offensive Second Battle of the Marne Battle of Lorraine Battle of Argonne Forest Battle of Saint-Mihiel |
| Website | http://www.nationallancers.org/ |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Brigadier General Richard Reale, Jr. |
Contents
A Look Back: The National Lancers' Story
The National Lancers started on October 31, 1836. They were formed because Governor Edward Everett asked for a light cavalry militia group. Their main jobs were to protect the governor and to defend Massachusetts from attacks or uprisings.
Fighting in the Civil War
The National Lancers played a part in the American Civil War. They fought with the Army of the Potomac. This included battles and campaigns in places like South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. In July 1863, during the Boston Draft Riot, the Lancers helped stop rioters from taking over a military building.
World War I and Beyond
In June 1916, the Lancers became part of the federal army. They were sent to Texas to help with the Pancho Villa Expedition. In April 1917, they changed their name to Company A, 102d Machine Gun Battalion. They then went to France to fight in World War I. The unit was officially ended at Camp Devens in April 1919.
After World War I, the National Lancers were reorganized. One part stayed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The other part became a group mainly for ceremonies. In 1940, the National Guard unit changed its name again to Battery A, 180th Field Artillery.
On July 6, 1964, Governor Endicott Peabody signed a law. This law officially recognized the National Lancers as a part of the Massachusetts Organized Militia.
What the National Lancers Do Today
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Today, the National Lancers have two main roles. They serve as the ceremonial cavalry for Massachusetts. This means they take part in special events and parades. They are also a search and rescue unit. This means they help find people who are lost or in danger.
Protecting Important Events
In July 2004, the National Lancers were called to active duty. They helped guard Camp Curtis Guild during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. This shows their role in keeping important events safe.
Honoring History
As part of their ceremonial duties, the Lancers do something special every year. They reenact the famous rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes. This helps keep history alive for everyone.
Official Status of the National Lancers
The National Lancers are officially recognized by Massachusetts state law. They are an important part of the Massachusetts Organized Militia. This means they have a legal role in the state's defense and ceremonial activities.
