WASHINGTON — America's legacy will take center stage as the nation's capital prepares to host the Great American State Fair, with the Joint Task Force-District of Columbia at its helm supporting interagency enforcement during the Freedom 250 celebrations.
The Guard’s presence is a continuation of ongoing assistance at high-profile celebrations taking place this summer, leading up to the commemorating Fourth of July celebration.
“The Great American State Fair is just one of the many events that we’re covering this summer as part of Freedom 250,” said U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander. “The preparations we already have in place for supporting other events also include our preparations for the Great American State Fair.”
More recently, National Guard personnel provided critical traffic control point support alongside the U.S. Park Police, U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security during the June 2026 "UFC Freedom 250" event held on the White House South Lawn, in addition to increased presence patrols throughout the National Mall and surrounding areas.
“During this celebratory season, we expect to see increased traffic and visitors all across the District of Columbia,”said “Visitors won’t just stay at the Mall. They’ll visit the neighborhoods that make up the entire city.”
In anticipation of the expected surge, the Guard has expanded areas of patrol and is increasing the number of Guardsmen available to assist individuals utilizing the Metro system and visiting local businesses, restaurants and entertainment districts throughout the city. Currently, about 4,500 National Guard members from various states and territories strengthen security measures providing increased support across the city ensures the safety of residents and visitors.
The Freedom 250 celebrations demonstrates interagency collaborations and further affirms the guard’s critical role in maintaining secure environments during major celebrations.
“Security is a team sport,” Doane said. “None of us can get it done alone, so we need partners across many jurisdictions with many different specialties to come together to provide a seamless security environment for everyone to be safe and enjoy the event.”
The Guard’s ability to provide rapid response, manpower and advanced equipment support interagency enforcement partners. Coordinating with local, state and federal agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, and U.S. Marshals Service combines the unique capabilities and expertise of each sector for optimal support of this historic milestone.
“There is no other organization like the National Guard that can provide the sheer volume of people and equipment in comparison to our interagency enforcement partners,” said Doane. “When they need additional traffic control points, additional patrols or personnel to augment what they do, that’s what we bring.”
The Guard remains committed to working side by side with interagency enforcement agencies throughout the Freedom 250 celebrations to ensure all who visit the nation’s capital can safely enjoy the celebrations.
“Our motto is ‘Defend Everyone,’ and we really mean that,” said Doane. “Whether you’re a long-term D.C. resident, an American citizen visiting, or one of our many foreign tourists, we’re here to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be safe and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.”
The residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend the Great American State Fair, which promises to boast diverse exhibits and attractions representing states from across the nation.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2026 13:14 |
| Story ID: | 568606 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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