I had plans on Saturday morning to capture the first major snowfall in Arlington National Cemetery. A week before, the Wreaths Across America annual event added 16,000 wreaths in Sections near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. So I could probably get some great photographs.
I forgot I live in the area where snow is more than a 4-letter word – it’s rare and most people living in this area have experience of little or none driving or dealing with it – Washington DC and surrounds … closes down. So I came back to the ranch and worked on Christmas cards.
Here’s a sample of a design for the US Army’s Divisions - Airborne All the Way!
John Michael broke new ground when he published the “First” Calendar about the US Army’s 3d Infantry Regiment – “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ - The Escort to the President. Many have seen this regiment earlier this year as they led and participated in the Presidential Inauguration. Their ceremonial presence is only part of their story. After pouring through thousands of photographs taken primarily in 2009, a theme finally emerged to tell the story about these Soldiers that few people ever see.
Soldiers in this elite regiment are called upon to do a number of different missions on a daily basis… most of which the public never sees or is even aware. It’s hoped that the selection of these images provides a small glimpse of the varied assignments carried out and their contributions made as service to the United States of America…
Earlier in 2009, John Michael was honored to have a selection of photographic notecards from his work in Arlington National Cemetery to be featured at the giftshop at the cemetery. They’ve sold well and another shipment will be heading there this week…
On Saturday 10 OCT, Honor Air Louisiana will be transporting another group of “the Greatest Generation” for a day in Washington DC to see the WW II Memorial among others and pay a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. The group sponsoring this wonderful visit has been in operation for a while and this will be their 19th trip since inception.
Their escort for the day is a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers…
Add a “drop-in” visit from the US Army Golden KnightsParachute 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.
For 25 years, this race has drawn competitors from the around the world and treated them to a great running view of the sights of Washington DC – John Michael will be honored to be included to photograph this year’s event… watch this space for more photos. Please check the link below to get more information about the Army Ten Miler (ATM) Hooah!
“The 25th Army Ten-Miler takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, in Washington, D.C. This Army tradition annually attracts runners from all over the world and of a variety of experience levels, to run a course that starts and finishes at the Pentagon, and passes such national landmarks as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Race weekend activities include a two-day race expo, clinics and a press conference. Race day features The Golden Knights – the U.S. Army’s official parachute demonstration team, Youth Runs, a Post Race Party featuring bands, entertainment and a live broadcast, the HOOAH Tent Zone, and a Youth Activity Zone complete with displays, inflatables, the GEICO Gecko, and much more. For more information on the district’s premier running event, visit www.armytenmiler.com.”
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
Happy Birthday America!
This article also appears
in
the 10 JUL 2009 issue
of
“The Pentagram”
with one of the photographs.
Posted 2 years, 7 months ago at 2:37 am. Add a comment
One of the most solemn and dignified ceremonies occurred in Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on that morning…
a full honors wreath ceremony
placed by
the Secretary of the Army, Honorable Pete Geren,
Chief of Staff of the Army, General George W. Casey Jr.
and
Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Kenneth Preston.
Hosted by Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, Major General Richard J. Rowe Jr, the full honors included:
a complement of The US Army’s 3d Infantry -
The Old Guard,
The US Army Band, Pershing’s Own
and
Color Guard.
After the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, General Casey and Sergeant Major Preston visited each of the 24 former Chiefs of Staff and 2 Sergeants Major of the Army’s final resting places and placed a wreath in honor of their service to the United States of America.
General of the Armies & Former Chief of Staff General John J. Pershing’s gravesite
Posted 2 years, 7 months ago at 9:59 pm. 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.
