SARATOGA SPRINGS , N.Y. - A new exhibit highlighting the history of the New York National Guard since Sept. 11, 2001, opens this weekend at the New York State Museum featuring equipment carried by Guard members at Ground Zero, in Iraq and in Afghanistan.

Museum manager Michael Aikey and Lt. Col. (Retired) Paul Fanning, who served throughout the events, will be on hand to discuss the new exhibit with members of the press, Sept. 9.

WHO: Michael Aikey, manager of the New York State Military Museum, and Lt. Col. (Retired) Paul Fanning, a retired member of the New York Army National Guard who served in Afghanistan in 2008 and served as New York National Guard Public Affairs Officer during the 9/11 period.

WHAT: New Exhibit on the Modern New York National Guard since 9/11 that features: a respirator worn by a National Guard Soldier at Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site; "Hillbilly Armor" used to protect a New York Army National Guard vehicle in Iraq; and mannequin dressed in full "battle rattle" worn by soldiers in Afghanistan. The exhibit also includes a "Faces of the Fallen" memorial commemorating the 32 members of the New York Army National Guard who have fallen in battle since Sept. 11, 2001.

WHEN: 1 p.m., Sept. 9.

WHERE: New York State Military Museum, 61 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866