OLYMPIA – The Office of the Secretary of State launched a new lobby exhibit in the Legislative Building on January 29 commemorating the contributions and history of the Washington National Guard. Assembled in partnership with the Washington National Guard, Of the community, For the community: The Washington National Guard since 1883 celebrates the stories of Washington’s citizen-soldiers and airmen, and their ever-evolving role in the community.
The exhibit is available for public viewing in the lobby of the Office of the Secretary of State, and is the latest project designed to build tangible connections between people and the past by bringing the history and culture of Washington state directly to the public.
“It is our obligation to make the history of Washington available to the people, and the National Guard is an instrumental part of that history,” said Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. “Our service members have been, and continue to be, critical in contributing to Washington’s history and culture.” Hobbs also serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Washington Army National Guard.
Developed and curated by Washington National Guard Command Historian Dr. Jim Perrin, Of the community, For the community traces the history of the Guard from first muster in 1883 to now. The exhibit spans nearly a century and a half of service to the people of Washington state, from and historic domestic activations, to major military wars and campaigns, such as the Global War on Terrorism, and the strategic programs that foster relationships worldwide.
“I’m appreciative for the Secretary of State’s partnership in helping us tell the Guard’s story,” said Washington National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh. “It’s important for the people to know and understand the contributions, sacrifice, and constant dedication of our service members for the betterment of Washingtonians and the nation.”
Through stories, artifacts, and firsthand accounts from individual Washingtonians during their service in the National Guard, visitors can experience history through the eyes of the people who lived it. Their contributions include early territorial mobilizations in the late 1800s, rescue efforts during the Mount St. Helen’s eruption in 1980, and combat and support participation in both World Wars.
The exhibit is open to the public during regular business hours and will be displayed through 2026.
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Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees areas within state government including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. The office operates the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, and administers the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees and the Productivity Board state employee suggestion program. The Secretary of State also oversees the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.