Photography by John Michael

Sharpen the saw…

Late in 2008, I joined Facebook to explore what that venue could do to extend my network of friends & contacts. In less than 100 days, I was able to build a network of 400 ‘friends’ on FB, and I thank all of you who allowed me to be part of your network. It allowed me to share with all of you the work I’ve continued to do in

I had just put the finishing touches on what I’ve since learned is the FIRST regimental calendar of the most historic Infantry Regiment in the US Army – The Old Guard. I’m honored to have built and published this tribute to these fine soldiers who unlike other parts of the US Army have a dual role – that of ceremonial support and the defense of the Washington DC area. To preserve that valuable “collector’s edition” of the calendar, I’ve decided to remove the calendar – “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ from “online” sales as of 31 MAR 2009.

On Facebook I created a page focused on my photography and continued to create additional products from the photographs in the calendar. In the online store there are several items that also include some of my selected works from my travels within the Washington DC area – USMC Museum near Quantico (an absolutely fantastic experience that you need to devote several hours – get there early and stay late..) – The Drum Point Light, one of the last “screw-pile” lighthouses from the nearly 50 that were built to guide the navigators in the Maryland waters.

More to come from the extensive archives of the tens of thousands of photographs that I’ve captured over the years…

I spent the day at Mount Vernon, home of our First President, George Washington.

I met him that day and offered to shake his hand. He declined suggesting that gentlemen don’t shake hands, they “bow” and he bowed graciously to me as he tended to the unfolding celebration in his honor. The troops that guard him and his corps of musicians were about to come into the celebration.

(I was surprised that he approached and used the microphone with little fear… )

The day continued with an excellent presentation of “The Commander-in-Chief’s” Guard – A unit that General Washington created to function as his personal guard unit. Now re-created by the US Army’s 3d Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard. Wearing the uniforms as prescribed by the General – Blue coats with red trim, white waistcoats, pants, and a black tricorn hat with a cockade.

As they presented the various tactics employed in colonial times to fight and defend on the field of battle, they fired their “Brown Bess’ firelocks” with their bayonets fixed and defending against the attack of the horse mounted cavalry.

They used their 18″ long bayonets to defend in tactics that have been preserved by this elite unit of The Old Guard. Marching to commands that were used during those times to move the soldiers into position or pass in review. They were accompanied by a solo fifer and snare drummer. Later joined by The Old Guard’s Fife and Drum Corps, the field was filled with the musical fullness of the instruments of this talented group of musicians outfitted in uniforms also as prescribed by their General and Commander-in-Chief – Red coats with blue trim, white waistcoats and pants and the black tricorn hat with cockade.

It was a great treat to see and hear them as the CINC Guard left the field to defend Mount Vernon and surrounds. The drum major of the corps was brandishing his espontoon with flourish and giving commands to his troops as they marched and played with a precision unlike ever seen. This was hardly the first time that I had seen this unit of The Old Guard, but it was a special event as I thought how a similar display would have occurred on these very grounds over 200 years ago. And here in the year 2009, there was these soldiers dedicated to preserving the traditions upon which the United States was founded.

TO BE CONTINUED

(the Trip to Aberdeen Proving Grounds & the US Army Ordnance Museum…)