In a tradition with its roots in 1637, the four oldest units in the National Guard conducted a traditional "muster" in Salem, Massachusetts, earlier this month. Salem, the official birthplace of the National Guard, also hosts organized militia groups for the muster, according to a recent news release. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker attended this year's muster, as well as a morning wreath-laying ceremony at St. Peter's Church Cemetery. The event included a "pass-in-review" for all soldiers and a 19-round howitzer salute fired in honor of Baker. Legion of Merit Awards were presented to three retired Massachusetts National Guardsmen: Col. Charles Cody, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lawrence Waters and Sgt. Maj. Peter Chase. Read more at Army.mil.