Photo By Ericka Gillespie | Approximately 380 soldiers from the Virginia National Guard and Pennsylvania National...... read more read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Approximately 380 soldiers from the Virginia and Pennsylvania Army National Guards were deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service on January 18, 2025, in preparation for the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.
“Deputizing our soldiers signifies the history of our country and the peaceful transition of power which our country was founded on,” said Ronald L. Carter, acting U.S. Marshall for the District of Columbia.
The soldiers were officially sworn in as Special Deputies for the U.S. Marshals Service, taking the oath of office with their right hands raised. By pledging to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, they assumed a vital role in ensuring the safety and security surrounding the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
“Being deputized bolsters our support to local and federal law enforcement officials giving our soldiers the ability to perform duties beyond their traditional military roles.,” said Maj. Leonid Godunov, Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Virginia Army National Guard. “This allows us to better protect lives, property, and citizen’s first amendment rights.”
The 60th Presidential Inauguration has taken place in the U.S. capital since 1801," explained Carter. "Throughout history, it has been men and women like these soldiers who have been essential in safeguarding the rights of the American people."
This continues a tradition that began in 1789 when their predecessors escorted George Washington to the first inauguration.
“Becoming a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal is such a special privilege for our Virginia Soldiers,” said Godunov. “It displays the trust and responsibilities given to our soldiers while they support a peaceful transition of power at our nation’s Capitol Building.”
Before, during and after the inauguration, service members will provide critical support such as crowd management, traffic control points, civil disturbance response, and sustainment operations.
“Each role is vital to the success of this mission,” said Carter.
Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories have come together to comprise the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia in support of the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
| Date Taken: | 01.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2025 12:16 |
| Story ID: | 489344 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON D.C., DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 8,544 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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