And the survey said…
The Old Guard On Parade
they’re still the best kept secret!
I spent a week on a special mission. I wanted to find out peoples’ awareness in the Washington DC area. I asked about the sports teams, and most people knew without any coaching what teams they had for baseball, football, basketball, hockey and more. I also asked who would defend Washington DC if a disaster struck. I even showed photos of …
“The Old Guard”
Among the photos were:
- The Caisson Platoon
- The Guns Platoon - Presidential Salute Battery
- The Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps
- Commander-in-Chief’s Guard
- Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
and sadly, only One person knew who they were.
When you spend a considerable amount of time with them as I have, it’s hard to realize that most people don’t know that they are those who serve not only in a ceremonial way providing support at Arlington National Cemetery and the honor guard duties among the US Nation’s Capital area, but are prepared to defend and keep our National Capital safe. In my opinion, more valuable than any or all of the sports teams in the area combined.
I admit, each encounter I have had, there is always something interesting to learn about the history of this elite unit of the US Army. The men and women of this regiment do their work so amazingly well given all the challenges that are constantly presented to them. For instance, I just released a new album in the gallery that was taken awhile ago that shows how the Guns Platoon carefully transports their nearly 3-ton M5 WW II anti-tank Guns across Summerall Field. Their missions are brief in execution lasting in most cases less than two minutes (the longest is the 50 GUN Salute to the Nation on 4th of July) However the preparation and after mission work is extensive. I know, I’ve spent the time with them to see all the attention to detail and drilling/practice that they go through. And in the end, everything is perfect.
SO, the challenge is - how do we educate the public, especially those living in the Washington DC area about “The Old Guard” and all that they do? Any suggestions? Your comments are welcome. Please post…
Tags: 3d Infantry Regiment, Arlington National Cemetery, Caisson Platoon, Commander-in-Chief's Guard, Fort Myer, Guns Platoon, Presidential Salute Battery, The Old Guard, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, US Army, Washington DC
