Facebook Page…
I truly take some awesome photographs. The Presidential Salute Battery is truly marvelous with what they do.
Catch a glimpse of the latest at my Facebook Page and become a fan … please?
Sharpening the Saw…
Since the beginning of 2009, it’s been one thing after another that has kept me running, trying to keep up with the events and happenings around me… I truly am blessed to have the opportunities that continue to open up for me. However, today’s the day to
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
“Preserving the memories, so others will remember…” (tm)
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…
PRESIDENTS’ DAY AT MOUNT VERNON
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.
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…)
Posted 3 years, 2 months ago at 9:55 am. Add a comment
"Why We Guard The Tomb…"
I’ve been reading a book on The Old Guard’s history and reached an essay written by COL Neale Cosby US Army (Ret) and it filled me with emotions. I thought it important enough to transcribe it and share it with the world, since it provides an insight that we all can appreciate…
Why We Guard The Tomb
GHTime Code(s): nc nc Posted 3 years, 3 months ago at 12:49 am. 6 comments
Dedication, Devotion and Execution…
In January, when we had our first “major snowstorm” it was followed by a day “when the rains came…” and if it had been colder, it would have been the blizzard of ’09. However, the rain came down in an unending cascade of water… the same day that Two “Flag Officers” were being laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery… their final honors commencing at the same time…
So both sections of the Presidential Salute Battery were in Arlington National Cemetery despite the bone-chilling rain, very wet conditions. The men of the battery were set up in two different locations and the distant section began executing their mission while the section I was with waited as the rain drenched them.
A few minutes later they got the order to march on and begin their execution… It went off flawlessly and gave the General a fine final send off…
Posted 3 years, 3 months ago at 10:14 pm. Add a comment
The "Colonel of the Regiment" …
Several years ago, I was introduced by one of my advisors to MG Donald C. Hilbert, US Army (Ret.) who at one point was the Commander of the 3d Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard and later commanded the Military District of Washington. He was kind enough to introduce me to The Old Guard Association. This paved the way for me to further my knowledge of the oldest infantry regiment in the US Army.
I once again visited with MG Hilbert the last week in January and once again I was allowed some time with him to review the progress I’d made, the work I’m now doing and present him with an autographed version of “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ calendar.
It’s through his support and encouragement along with the rest of my mentors/advisors/supporters that I continue my ongoing mission of “Preserving the memories so others will remember…” ™
Thank you General for your time & support!
Posted 3 years, 3 months ago at 1:17 am. Add a comment
Tuesday 20 JAN 2009 – My Day at the Inauguration PART TWO
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 3 years, 4 months ago at 5:28 pm. 1 comment
Tuesday 20 JAN 2009 – My Day at the Inauguration PART ONE
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 3 years, 4 months ago at 2:29 am. Add a comment
You made my Sunday…
I was going to get up early and scout the area where I think the Guns Platoon will be setting up and firing on Tuesday. but something drew me to the laptop (I had left it on and wanted to conserve some energy) – FB was open and I saw I had a new message that I read and had the urge to respond.
It was from a SSG deployed in Iraq who had served in the Caisson Platoon of the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) of the US Army. He wanted to know about the calendar “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″
However, before I was able to hit “reply”, the chat box on FB popped and it was him… we began chatting and I learned that he nearly had 1,000 missions at Arlington National Cemetery. He wanted to hit that mark, but thought it better to help teach other soldiers and train horses “to do it right” {transfer of knowledge is ALWAYS more important, which is why I continue “Preserving the memories so others will remember…” ™}
We continued to chat and I continued to share some of the work I’ve done over the years and plans for the future.
I thanked him for his service and asked him to “Take care of you for me…” as he was heading out on a 20 hour mission…
Thank you SSG – Thank you for your service! Thank you for making my Sunday!
Posted 3 years, 4 months ago at 3:21 pm. Add a comment
Last Week in Review
Whew!
What a week! It was great and energizing to deliver/send out the calendars – “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″
I was a guest at the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) where I met some very interesting people – historic in my opinion. The calendar and work I do to promote the military was very well received.
I missed the event of the Veterans’ Administration honoring Ross Perot. He’s a true patriot and has done and continues to do a lot to help those who defend the United States. Hats off Ross! Oops, I meant Mr. Perot.
I began my year with a bigger Facebook presence and have quickly found a fine network of friends there. Many I knew from years ago, but many more from exploring common interests and work. One of which I actually had the honor of meeting this week while I was in Washington DC. He has a quite tall mission of representing the US Army to the American People. I spent sometime showing him the work I’ve done over the years and presented him with some personalized heraldry cards. I was then presented my first challenge coin for the year!
WOW!
What an honor! Thanks Colonel!!!
My shutter finger was getting itchy since I’d not taken any photos this year, so I arranged to rendezvous on Saturday with a friend who for Christmas received a new camera. We were to explore Arlington National Cemetery – especially the section where they laid the thousands of wreaths. As the day turned from “possible snow” to “liquid sunshine,” I sensed he wasn’t showing up. Off to the cemetery I went and from the warm and very dry confines of my vehicle I captured several photos of the solemnity cast in the weather’s aura.
Posted 3 years, 4 months ago at 10:01 pm. Add a comment
Epiphany is January 6th …
Epiphany is January 6th – the date that Christians commemorate the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem and the final day of the “twelve days of Christmas”.
As the Christmas season finally winds down. Sparkling lights fade to dark. Bright red bows disappear & silver bells go silent…
We need to give thanks those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and defending the United States…
