Around 100 members of the Oklahoma National Guard departed Thursday for Washington D.C. for the upcoming 60th Presidential Inauguration on Monday.
Oklahoma’s troops join nearly 8,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from 40 states and territories to support the D.C. National Guard.
“This is a massive event and we’re very excited to participate,” Maj. Gen. Thomas Mancino said. “For many years, routinely, the National Guard will provide support to the capital region for the inauguration.”
National Guard involvement in presidential inaugurations dates back to the first presidential inauguration of George Washington in New York City.
The National Mall is pictured Jan. 15 as preparations are underway for the upcoming presidential inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C.
The Oklahoma Guardsmen are scheduled to be on mission for approximately seven to ten days, according to a news release.
There have been two attempts to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump.
Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood is set to perform at Trump’s inauguration, singing “America the Beautiful.”
According to Reuters, the National Park Service has issued a permit to Trump’s inauguration committee for an estimated crowd of 250,000 people at the National Mall.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OK National Guard troops to provide support during Trump inauguration