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 …
Here’s a more in-depth look at the making and background of the calendar – “The Old Guard on Mission – 2010″ – some history and little known facts…
Or for those who cannot read Russian Cyrillic -
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Arlington National Cemetery
For those who have followed me on Facebook, you have seen how from Saturday morning in the frenzy of the snowstorm, I attempted daily to get into Arlington National Cemetery. The mission was to capture some of the beauty of this hallowed place in the snow… ANC closed on Saturday, and when I arrived, the barriers were symbolically across Memorial Drive.
I turned around and decided that Sunday morning was probably a better choice and when I returned on Sunday, I found the roadway of Memorial Drive completely clear thanks to the efforts of the National Park Service. Alas, the gates of ANC were closed and locked …
Add a “drop-in” visit from the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, A starting send-off by the Presidential Salute Battery from the US Army’s Old Guard combined with weather that was just perfect and one had a combination for a spectacular event -
Hosted by the US Army’s Military District of Washington, the 25th Anniversary running of the US Army Ten Miler was held this weekend with festivities beginning on Friday 02 OCT as the runners headed to the Washington DC Armory to get their credentials and spend some time perusing the array of vendors & exhibitors covering the floor of this DC Landmark.
Several of the runners had run in the first one over two decades ago were on hand to discuss “why they run…” It was quite special to encounter several people John Michael met over the years who were getting ready for the day on Sunday.
Recently, I spent the day at Arlington National Cemetery and captured the Presidential Salute Battery in action as they rendered honors …
I had another camera with me and decided to turn on it’s video mode. . . combined with a few photos taken before and during mission and it appears below.
It all began on Summerall Field of Fort Myer. Four artillery pieces placed – The “Big Guns of the Old Guard” were ready to celebrate America’s birthday in a big way – The sun shone brightly on Saturday, July 4th reflecting off the highly polished WW II vintage 3” anti-tank guns of the Presidential Salute Battery. The battery looking sharp in their dress blue uniforms stood at the ready as the time approached for the ceremony to begin for a 50 Gun Salute to the United States of America.
Marched into position by the NCOIC, SFC Calvin Flinta, Platoon Sergeant, the Soldiers of the Battery waited as the seconds ticked off. When it was exactly noon, SGT Chris Johnson the Officer in Charge issued the command “Fire!” The first round echoed as the smoke billowed from the barrel and 5 seconds later, the watchman called the second gun to fire. Then every 3 seconds another gun called to fire until all 50 “Salutes to the Nation” were fired.
The crowd watching applauded vigorously as the last echoes of the salutes and smoke drifted off. The Soldiers of this elite unit then marched off and got ready for “part 2” of the day’s celebration. The guns were then packed up and US Park Police escorted the entire caravan down to the US Capitol. Again the four gun battery was placed in position, where later that night, the Guns Platoon provided accompaniment for the Washington Symphony Orchestra.
Marched into position by Platoon Leader – CPT Ronald K. Vinyard, the battery once again stood at the ready waiting for the signal to fire. As the colors of the fireworks were filling the sky over the Washington Monument, the orchestra played the 1812 Overture at the Capitol 4th with the Presidential Salute Battery providing the appropriate gun salutes. The final salute was all four guns firing simultaneously.
Photos by John Michael
is the command that is issued at a military funeral to honor that veteran’s service to the United States of America. The origins of this tradition dates back to the US Civil War when casualties were high in warfare and rules were a bit different. Each side was allowed to remove their casualties from the battlefield. After which they “fired three volleys” to alert the other side that they were ready
to resume the battle.
I hope this clears up some of the confusion you might have and help to inform those who insist that they saw a 21 GUN SALUTE at the last military funeral that they attended.
Today’s my birthday… I don’t remember it, but I know that my parents and relatives were filled with joy when I let out my first cry. Looking back over the years, I have a lot to be thankful for despite the many walls and obstacles that have hindered forward progress. I’ve done quite a bit – touched the lives of many of those who have served and provided a chronicle of events that will allow many to remember them in years to come.
I never thought I’d be this involved in history after my high school experience. I hate to say, but both teachers I had for history (World then American) were rather pompous and didn’t teach, but expected everyone to memorize dates, places and people… that’s fine if you’re about to become a repository for that info. My approach is to bring history alive and make it meaningful so people remember.
Over the past decade plus, I’ve taken a different viewpoint on the topic and it dovetails very nicely with my photographic & creative talents.
You can see some of the photographs (I still need an adjutant, an intern … SOMEONE to help ! Any volunteers?) on my webpage (www.John-Michael.net) which will take you to my online albums, my blog and my online store. (but those are just the tip of the iceberg – cliche – of the tens of thousands of photos that can possibly be posted)
I continue to uncover many things that people didn’t know or completely forgot about which is in tandem with my mission of
The first regimental calendar that I produced has gotten rave reviews by all who have seen it and purchased it. The calendar – “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ is still for sale and will be through MARCH 31, 2009. It will disappear from online sales after that date to make those that have been produced more valuable.
I will be issuing a COLLECTOR’ S Edition limited to 250 copies that will be more robust and AUTOGRAPHED by me… At a premium price. And once they’re gone. NO MORE CALENDARS FOR 2009!
The calendar has spawned the COLLECTOR’S EDITION SET OF 13 NOTECARDS drawn from the photographs that appear in the calendar. Those are now for sale as I work on the theme, content for the 2010 calendars. Yes calendarS … more than one… you’ll have to wait for more details as I’ve got other announcements prior to those becoming available. (I could do a screen saver if anyone would like to purchase it… “
As I’ve done with the Special Forces Association, I’ve extended my support and joined The Old Guard Association. I’m really honored to be an Associate Member as my credentials and welcome letter arrived in yesterday’s mail. I’m looking forward to the upcoming 11th reunion of the association in October.
Within the confines of those days from the first cry ’til now there has been more good than I can account for. I want to thank all of my family, friends, my advisors/mentors and associates for all that you’ve done and continue to do to guide me on this journey of life.
To all my Brothers in the Battery — “GUNS GO LONG!”
Thanks!
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