The VA National Guard was called up on March 26, 1917 in anticipation of pending action.
President Woodrow Wilson in response to an increasing threat and to stand with our traditional
allies declared War on April 6, 1917.

On April 12th after filling the ranks with volunteers from the Fredericksburg area, Co. K moved
to Culpepper to protect bridges along the Southern RR.

While there NG units across the land were were Federalized and destined for training and service in France.

The 2nd VA was to be organized as part of the new 29th Division. Consisting of nearly 32,000 men it
contained NG units of not only VA, but MD, NJ and Del. VA units became part of the 116th Infantry, a
conglomeration of the old 1st, 2nd and 4th VA all tracing their lineage to the famous Stonewall Bgd. Of
Civil War fame. They were filled out to a full strength of nearly 3,000 men with volunteers.

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