View Full Version : The Old Guard
Genghis_Don
02-24-2007, 14:36
During a talk with Mr. Harsey, it came up that Casket used to be in the Old Guard.
Wanted to throw a "thanks" out to Casket and all current and former members of that unit.
Last year I rode the Harley up to Arlington to attend the funeral of a friend of mine shot down in Iraq in his Kiowa Warrior. What seemed like most of Mitch's hometown came up on buses to attend, not to mention many green suiters.
The dignity and professionalism which the Old Guard lent to that ceremony was incredible. Even on such a sad day you could see the family swell with pride as those soldiers laid their son and brother to rest.
The horses in the caisson were beautiful, and handled with exacting precision, uniforms were spotless, and I was honored to see how much those young men added to the mystique of that most hallowed ground without diverting attention from the fallen. Rather they focused all of the attention on Mitch, and treated him with the care they would give their own.
The memory of that day and others like it are now indelible in my memory.
Thank you.
GD
The Reaper
02-24-2007, 14:51
Here here!
Thanks, Gents, for paying the final respects and doing it in a very professional manner.
Gardens of stone.
TR
82ndtrooper
02-24-2007, 14:57
During a talk with Mr. Harsey, it came up that Casket used to be in the Old Guard.
Wanted to throw a "thanks" out to Casket and all current and former members of that unit.
Last year I rode the Harley up to Arlington to attend the funeral of a friend of mine shot down in Iraq in his Kiowa Warrior. What seemed like most of Mitch's hometown came up on buses to attend, not to mention many green suiters.
The dignity and professionalism which the Old Guard lent to that ceremony was incredible. Even on such a sad day you could see the family swell with pride as those soldiers laid their son and brother to rest.
The horses in the caisson were beautiful, and handled with exacting precision, uniforms were spotless, and I was honored to see how much those young men added to the mystique of that most hallowed ground without diverting attention from the fallen. Rather they focused all of the attention on Mitch, and treated him with the care they would give their own.
The memory of that day and others like it are now indelible in my memory.
Thank you.
GD
I just got goose bumps reading your post. :(
I'm sorry for your lose, but you right those men in that unit are awsome did you get a chance to watch the changing of the guard? I want to get a video on it to show the wife. Ive seen it myself and its hard to explain to someone thats never seen it.
Genghis_Don
02-24-2007, 17:17
Yes I did, they do an incredible job.
GreenSalsa
02-24-2007, 18:20
At one time at least 8 guys from the scout platoon was in...
I have been privilaged to have known 2 Old Gaurd Soldiers. One had some pretty good stories about the Tomb of the Unknown. Even in such somber moments as a funeral, a wreath laying or whatnot, everytime I see them it fills me with a feeling of pride and admiration. Everytime my Wife and I go to Washington DC, Arlington is the first and last stop. I am hoping my R&R will have me home with enough time to observe Memorial Day in Washington.
The Reaper
02-24-2007, 23:07
I have been privilaged to have known 2 Old Gaurd Soldiers. One had some pretty good stories about the Tomb of the Unknown. Even in such somber moments as a funeral, a wreath laying or whatnot, everytime I see them it fills me with a feeling of pride and admiration. Everytime my Wife and I go to Washington DC, Arlington is the first and last stop. I am hoping my R&R will have me home with enough time to observe Memorial Day in Washington.
If so, it will be a busy place, with Rolling Thunder there at the same time.
TR
TR,
I have been wanting to participate in Rolling Thunder, but unfortunately I cancelled my bike insurance when I left!:mad: I hear it is something to behold!
Jack Moroney (RIP)
02-25-2007, 06:20
When I was a high school punk I used to spend time at Arlington and after hours would walk around the grounds with the superintendant as he related stories concerned many of the folks interred there. I was a history lesson that would shape my view of things for years to come. What was as fascinating was the constant flow of key folks of the time that dropped in to say hello to him or would come to pay respects to those with whom they had been linked by past events. Some, like JFK, would have the last respects paid to them by this very man with whom they had shared a warm hand shake or cup of coffee. Ironically, this very man, would be laid to rest in the very place he had overseen for many years by his son, who is the current superintendant.
Warrior-Mentor
02-25-2007, 07:34
They do a tough, and relatively thankless job, extremely well.
Thinking about the few times we pulled funeral detail while I was a lieutenant.
Even with our rehearsals, it's tough. Especially tough to present the flag to a greiving family member.
I salute their professionalism.
The Reaper
02-25-2007, 09:21
TR,
I have been wanting to participate in Rolling Thunder, but unfortunately I cancelled my bike insurance when I left!:mad: I hear it is something to behold!
I sat in the Pentagon parking lot one year for four hours waiting for our turn to leave for the parade.
IIRC, there were 150,000 bikes and the Mall was packed.
A great time was had by all.
TR