An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Articles
News | June 1, 2022

Vermont National Guard holds Memorial Day ceremony

By Joshua Cohen Vermont National Guard Public Affairs

On May 26, 2022, the VTNG held a Memorial Day ceremony at Camp Johnson in Colchester, Vermont.

The occasion marked the second time the ceremony was conducted at the Fallen Hero’s Memorial’s new site, a location accessible to the public.

In attendance, Vermont’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight was joined by Vermont’s Lt. Governor Molly Gray, Vermont Gold Star families, and veterans.

The VTNG 40th Army Band provided music throughout the event.

In a speech, Knight noted the intangibles that come with military service.

“The Guard members we remember here today, and the Fallen from all services across all generations, knew the challenges and sacrifices, even the potential of the ultimate sacrifice, that comes with service in our military. In my perspective, it is always our duty to remember them, celebrate their lives, support their families, and know we stand on their shoulders, striving to achieve great things.”

In a keynote address, Gray reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day.

“We are here today to observe Memorial Day, to honor our fallen service members, and to remember the sacrifices they have made for our country. Our fallen are our heroes and we remember and recognize their achievements, their courage, and their dedication.”

One Veteran in attendance, Thomas Fraga, remarked, “it is certainly something that is deep in my heart and soul, especially with the world as it is today it is a chance to remember what we have given and those who have gone before us. I can’t help but feel that makes us stronger to remember them. “

Fraga served in the US Marine Corps and the VTNG.

Maj. Gen. Knight also offered his thought on the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday.

“As we remember those who have gone before us, I offer you a quote from Congressman Charlie Dent: ‘Freedom does not come without a price. We may sometimes take for granted the many liberties we enjoy in America, but they have all been earned through the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of the members of our armed forces.’ Today, we should all remember that.”

In closing, an honor guard performed a rifle salute followed by a VTNG bugler playing Taps.

At the end of the ceremony, Gold Star families in attendance were invited to leave flowers at the Fallen Hero’s Memorial.

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard - April 2025

The above YouTube video link may not work on all government computers. Read the transcript of MG Gregory Knight's full State of the Guard here.

National Guard News
A Security Forces Airman responds to a simulated attack during a field training exercise at Ft. William Henry Harrison, Helena, Mont., June 2, 2025. Security Forces Squadrons from Arizona and Pennsylvania traveled to the Fort for a week of field training. The field instruction consisted of patrol movements, base security, key leader engagements, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives detection response, and simulated attacks from opposition forces.
Arizona and Pennsylvania Air Guards Train Together in Montana
By Tech. Sgt. Jayson Burns, | June 6, 2025
FORT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, Mont. – More than 100 security forces Airmen from Arizona and Pennsylvania conducted five days of joint annual training in Helena, Montana, June 2-6.The defenders from the 161st Air Refueling...

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Maritza Garcia, 154th Medical Group Detachment 1 medic and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instructor, evaluates Armed Forces of the Philippines students during a medical field training exercise May 29, 2025, at Camp O’Donnell, Philippines. The training emphasized rapid response and effective medical treatment in high-pressure environments.
Hawaii Guard, Philippine Armed Forces Unite for Medical Exchange
By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier, | June 6, 2025
CAMP O’DONNELL, Philippines - Hawaii National Guard medical professionals completed their fourth annual Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) exchange with partners from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp...

Service members from the Maine National Guard, Vermont National Guard, Armed Forces of Montenegro, and the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia pose for a group photo before beginning a cyber training exercise during Immediate Response 25 at Golubovci Air Base, Montenegro, June 2, 2025. The cyber exercise was developed and facilitated as a combined effort between the Maine National Guard and the Armed Forces of Montenegro through the State Partnership Program (SPP). The Vermont National Guard and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, SPP partners since 1993, also participated in the exercise.
Guardsmen, Montenegro, North Macedonia Strengthen Cyber Capabilities at Immediate Response 25
By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine and David Kennedy, | June 6, 2025
PODGORICA, Montenegro — Nearly three years after a sweeping cyberattack disrupted Montenegro’s government networks, the country has taken a powerful step forward in strengthening its digital defenses by hosting its largest...