The New Jersey Army and Air National Guard will celebrate Unity Day on Friday, June 13, 2003 at the National Guard's Consolidated Headquarters (Bldg 3650) at Fort Dix, New Jersey. This year's observance kicks off with a fun run at 8:30 am followed by the official opening ceremonies on the drill floor at 10:00. Brigadier General Glenn K. Rieth, The Adjutant General of New Jersey will be the keynote speaker. The theme for Unity Day 2003 is "Together We Can Make a Difference."

According to General Rieth, "This is one tradition we need to maintain. The military has been at the forefront of many major social changes thro8ughout our nation's history. Our National Guard reflects a cross section of America's diversity and represents all of New Jersey's many faces. Today is an opportunity to join together and celebrate our diversity and recognize that as this year's theme suggests, "Together we can indeed make a difference."

The General also took the opportunity to plug career opportunities in the National Guard. "We (the National Guard) are pleased to offer tremendous career, education, and employment opportunities to everyone regardless of gender, race, creed, or color."

The New Jersey National Guard was the first National Guard in the country to desegregate. In April of 1930, with the full support and encouragement of Governor Driscoll, the State Legislature took the unprecedented step of approving the formation of the First Separate Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard. Even though these actions were in apparent violation of federal law, the state appropriated funds for the organization of this battalion. And in July of 1931, 63 members of Company A of New Jersey's newest unit were mustered-in at an old movie theater in Newark, New Jersey.

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, headquarters to both the New Jersey Army and Air National Guard, sponsors a number of other heritage / pride celebrations ranging from Black History and Hispanic Heritage to Asian-Pacific Heritage. Unity Day celebrates a wider variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Friday's program includes a drill team demonstration by the New Jersey National Guard ChalleNGe Youth Program Cadets; multi-cultural displays and a truly unique multi-ethnic food sampling experience featuring the "Hot Chili Cook-off." Numerous exhibits and displays will feature African-American, American Indian, Caribbean, Czech, Ecuador, Filipino, Germany, Hispanic, Irish, Italian, Jamaican, Korean, Mexican, Nigeria, and Pacific Islander cultures, The Federal Women's Program, Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, Veterans Memorials, Americans with Disabilities, Drug Demand Reduction and Family Advocacy Program and the ChalleNGe Youth program.

Media wishing to cover the event must get prior clearance to access Ft Dix.