Upon returning to the North side of the Capitol, I meandered out to a balcony overlooking Taft Park. I finally found the Presidential Salute Battery in place going through some final preparation for their mission at NOON…
All attempts I made to get inside of the “FORTRESS” met resistance … the vantage point that I’d scouted out from the balcony became blocked by a line of buses.
I was forced to photograph the men and guns from a distance through the fence… what a drag!
ENJOY!!
Posted 4 years, 3 months ago at 5:28 pm. 1 comment
With cameras in hand, I took the first Metro train and a very seamless trip to Union Station, I arrived about 5 AM People on the train had a bit of excitement building, but it probably wouldn’t be as much as later.
What you see below is the first part of the Edited photos from that day.
Enjoy….
Posted 4 years, 4 months ago at 2:29 am. Add a comment
I discovered that the GUNS were set up in Taft Park just as I had been informed by many who had done inauguration missions over the years. However this was a “fortress” as the Capitol Police officer that I had encountered on Monday.
Around 0630 AM I knew what the rest of the day would be like. I could almost touch the LMTV, but the signage said it all…
Posted 4 years, 4 months ago at 11:40 pm. Add a comment
I headed to the post office today and mailed the next batch of ordered calendars. Barely making the “last in line” before they closed, I engaged a few people in line and many had never heard of the 3d Infantry – The Old Guard – Escort to the President . I just happened to have a “sample” calendar with me and several asked for order forms.
Upon the urging of a good friend, I next headed to the Metro station to secure a day pass for my trip on Tuesday (I know, it’s going to be “bedlam” as one of my friends warned me. However I NEED to do this. Another one suggested your “peeps” are going to be there. So “peeps” here I come!)
I secured my “one day pass” and found the Metro ticket emblazoned with President-elect Obama’s face. Great, now I have my official souvenir of the year. As I left, I noticed that his face appeared on most of the newspapers waiting for purchase in their metal boxes… hmmmm
Off to the grocery store to get the basics and “SUNDAY’S” newspaper, I passed a display in the front of the store and there they were, the official “Presidential Cookie” with Barack Obama on the front. Magazines with his face smiling, pensive, etc.
Picked up the newspaper. Yep you guessed it … right there on the front! Took the paper & basics home and as I began to read “tomorrow’s news today” … yep you guessed it, I saw – “the Official Barack Obama Coins”, “The official Barack wall hanging”, “The official Barack …”
It’s Obamamania!
Maybe I should come out with the “Official Barack Obama Edition” of “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ But I don’t think so, because it’s already the “inaugural” calendar and a historic item in itself. Since based on my extensive research in speaking with many who have served in the OLD GUARD as far back as the 1950s to current, no one can recall that there was ever a calendar about the regiment. So my claim still stands until proven wrong. As soon as I get in touch with the curator of the “now closed” Old Guard museum, I’ll have further confirmation.
Posted 4 years, 4 months ago at 9:54 pm. 1 comment
I have been photographing the Presidential Salute Battery for over 18 months since they truly are an awesome team of soldiers who are a “symphony in motion” when they execute their missions and fire their M5 – WWII vintage anti-tank guns in honor of The President, Marking the arrival of a dignatary for a wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery, final honors for either an General or Admiral.
So far I’ve accompanied them as my schedule permits, wherever they’ve gone. I would like to capture their work down near the Capitol on “the DAY” – it seems it’s not in the cards. Perhaps next time.
Posted 4 years, 4 months ago at 7:50 am. Add a comment
John Michael is a professional photographer living in the Washington DC area, who over the last decade has evolved into a dual role as a US military historian/student of military heraldry.
One distinctive hallmark of his work has been the photography of the final honors at Arlington National Cemetery & preparing a memorial book for the family or next of kin.
