Another 700 photos…
Highlights-
- Presidential Salute Battery
- Fort Myer Military Community
- US Army Band – Pershing’s Own
- The Old Guard – Honor Guard Drilling
I spent the day on Fort Myer, VA – it was a very active day and I had a lot that I wanted to get accomplished. The Presidental Salute Battery was drilling all morning in their favorite spot near the Old Post Chapel. A selection of 4 of the 1942 vintage anti-tank guns were in place when I arrived and it appeared that the platoon was out in nearly full force. Most of the photos were captured while they were presented with various different scenarios – misfires on one or more of the guns – to assure that the timing of the required number of rounds is accurate.
After lunch it was time to head over to the Fort Myer Military Garrison HQ with the chance I could spend some time with the Historian, Mr. Kim Holien. I had brought along with me two of the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Tribute Albums which I prepared. Fortunately, he was able to spare a few minutes out of his busy day and allow me to get to know him a bit and present what my work had been so far. I shared with him one of the Tribute Albums and after careful inspection of it at least twice, he gave me what I consider a valued compliment saying that he wished I was around when his father was laid to rest at ANC.
Next stop was Brucker Hall, home of Pershing’s Own – the US Army Band to get some much needed information on music.
I went next spend some time meeting with The Old Guard PAO -
From there I squeezed in a conference call as I sat in my vehicle in front of the Old Post Chapel (constructed in 1935 as ordered by then LTC George Patton. It was after 4 PM and there in front of the chapel were dozens of soldiers some with rifles, bayonets fixed (The Old Guard is the only regiment in the US Army permitted to march with fixed bayonets as approved by an act of the US Congress for their outstanding success in the war with Mexico)
The soldiers were practicing their duties in both casket team – transporting the one being laid to rest and folding/presentation of the US colors and the firing party – “fire three volleys…” NOT a 21 gun salute as most people “think” when the see a military honors/funeral. Only the US President or Head of State gets 21 guns…
Tags: 21 Gun Salute, 3d Infantry Regiment, anti tank gun, Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer, Presidential Salute Battery, Special Forces Association, The Old Guard, US Army
