CAMP RIPLEY - The 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard, which includes troops from Stillwater, has served Minnesota and the nation for 90 years.

A special exhibit at the Military Museum at Camp Ripley has been dedicated, honoring the soldiers who have served from the 34th's creation in 1917 to its current service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the former Yugoslavia.

Actually, the traditions of the military go back to 1856, with the formation of the St. Paul Guards and the Stillwater Guards. The troops of the First Minnesota served in the Civil War, the first unit offered for Federal service.

In 1898 and 1899, 5,348 Minnesotans served with the 13th Regiment in the war with Spain. In July 1917, elements of the Minnesota National Guard were federalized for service during World War I. Along with units from Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas, the 34th Division was formed.

Early in 1941, the National Guard was mobilized in anticipation of the possibility of the United States entering World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 34th Division was the first American unit to arrive in Europe. It served in the invasion of north Africa, participated in the initial landing at Salerno, Italy, and at Anzio, then led the way into Rome. At the end of the war, the 34th advanced into the Po Valley at the outskirts of Milan. Ironically, the United States 34th accepted the surrender of the German 34th in May 1945.

The 34th Infantry Division, known as the Red Bulls, is now headquartered in Rosemount. During World War II, the 34th Infantry Division participated in six major campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, according to the Minnesota National Guard. The Army Rangers have strong roots in the Red Bulls. About 80 percent of the volunteers who served in the 1st Ranger Battalion came from the 34th.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, about 11,000 members of the 34th Infantry Division from several states have served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Europe, Egypt, Honduras, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Today, members of the 34th serve in the Middle East, some in the former Yugoslavia and others along the U.S.-Mexico border.

A special program will be held June 16 at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley. Opening event will be at 11 a.m.

Tours of the museum and the 34th Division exhibit will be held from noon until 4 p.m.

Visitors are invited to enjoy a picnic lunch from the Camp Ripley snack bar, see World War II re-enactors, and enjoy music played by the Division Band. They may also meet and talk with veterans who served with the 34th Division in World War II through the present.

Camp Ripley is located north of Little Falls on Highway 115, just off of Highway 371. The event is open to the public.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.