THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE ORIGINAL NATIONAL GUARD MINUTEMEN LOGO
The National Guard’s logo is known by service members as being the minutemen logo from the days of the Revolutionary War. But not many people know the story behind the logo and who it truly represents. Read next:The Real Story Behind the Slogan "Rangers Lead the Way"
The Man Behind the Minutemen Logo
Capt. Issac Davis was a Massachusetts gunsmith and militia officer, and during his time in service, he set a great example of what it means to embody bravery. His contribution to his country and serving without fear during his time in service deemed him worthy of inspiring the iconic National Guard minuteman logo as we know it today. In an article about Issac Davis, the National Park Service stated, “To march within range of the enemy’s guns and let them take the first shot requires enormous courage.” Davis had found himself in this exact situation on the first day of the Revolutionary War, April 19, 1775. Many say that it’s likely that this day was the most monumental day of Davis’s life. Davis lived in the small town of Acton in Massachusetts, and he was a respected member of his community. Many described him as a thoughtful, serious man who was a true patriot, like Samuel Adams. He was also a true believer in the revolution. A few months before his monumental day, Davis was elected as the captain of the Acton, Massachusetts, minuteman company, which was raised by the community off of the recommendation from the Provincial Congress.
The Minuteman’s Courageous Act
Once the British militia reached his home town, Davis assembled his minutemen at his home at 7:00 a.m. and ordered them to march against the opposing force. Though Davis’s group was initially at the very back of the attacking line, the man at the front, David Brown, stated that he would “rather not” lead the advance. This was when Davis stepped up to the plate, stating, “I have not a man that is afraid to go.” Davis, along with his entire company of minutemen, moved to the very front of the line while other leaders remained behind the hill of attack. The British are even noted as having remarked upon the swiftness and courageous manner in which Davis’s company marched forth, stating that they “advanced with the greatest regularity." Unfortunately, as the British fired, Davis was shot in the chest – straight through the heart, as some reports have it – and died instantly. Davis passed away, along with two other minutemen, leaving his wife and kids behind. So, in honor of Issac Davis and his bravery, there was a petition to build a monument for Davis in Massachusetts 76 years later. The minuteman monument in honor of Davis was built in 1875 in Concord, Massachusetts. Davis is also the one who inspired the minuteman logo for the National Guard because of his values of training and preparedness.
Why Are They Called Minutemen?
Minutemen are known in American history as American Revolutionary militiamen who agreed to be ready for military duty “at a minute's notice.” The minutemen were a handpicked elite force who were required to be highly mobile and able to assemble quickly. Minutemen were typically under 25 years of age and were chosen because of their enthusiasm, physical strength, and reliability. The minutemen were the first of the militia to arrive at battle.
Why the National Guard Logo Has Changed
new National Guard logo is a lackluster shield-shaped black logo with white and gold lettering. But, the National Guard still uses the minutemen logo for internal use, as it represents an important American historical figure. Considering people of the National Guard were outraged because of the change and appalled by the American Public Education system for not educating students about the significance of the minutemen, the National Guard has taken it upon themselves to educate their Soldiers about the logo after they have enlisted. Davis will always be one of the first Soldiers who died in service to the United States, and the minutemen logo will always be a significant image in American history. His courage and values have paved the way for the characteristics every current and former United States Soldier has. Suggested read:When Did the Revolutionary War End?
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