Posted on 06/09/2004 1:36:48 PM PDT by Howlin
Arrival at Andrews Air Force Base scheduled for 5 P.M. EDT.
Beginning of procession: 16th and Constitution at 6:00 P.M.
---------
The procession begins at 16 th Street and Constitution Avenue with the ceremonial transfer of remains of former President Ronald Reagan from a hearse to a horse-drawn caisson for the processional to the Capitol. The casket transfer will take place at 6 p.m. and caisson continues east with formal military escort.
The public will be able to pay final respects while the remains lie in state in the Capitol rotunda from 7:00 p.m. through Friday, June 11, 2004 at 9:30 a.m.
The use of a caisson and caparisoned horse are traditional elements of the funeral procession for a military leader.
Six matched horses pull the black artillery caisson carrying the flag-draped casket. Astride three of the horses, soldiers guide the team, which seems to absorb the military bearing of the men and women who sit quietly in the saddles.
The soldiers and horses are members of the Caisson Platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Fort Myer, Va.
The caissons that are used were built in 1918. Originally they were used to carry 75mm cannons and were equipped with ammunition chests, spare wheels and tools.
Today, these have been removed and replaced with a flat deck on which the casket rests.
The horses are matched in color, either black or gray, and are paired into three teams -- the lead team in front, the swing team following and nearest the caisson -- the wheel team. Although all six animals are saddled, only those on the left have mounted riders. This is a tradition that began in the early horse-drawn-artillery days when one horse of each team was mounted, while the other carried provisions and feed.
The riders are dressed in the Army Blue uniform with riding breeches, and boots with spurs. To the left front of the lead team, on a separate mount, rides the section chief who commands the caisson unit.
One of the older traditions in a full-honors funeral is the caparisoned (riderless) horse. The horse is led behind the caisson, wearing an empty saddle with the rider's boots reversed in the stirrups. This indicates the warrior will never ride again, and also betokens the commander’s parting look on his troops, who march behind.
Tradition allows a caparisoned horse to follow the casket of any Army or Marine Corps commissioned officer in the rank of colonel or above. Presidents of our nation, as commanders-in-chief, are given the same honor.
While the platoon once stabled horses of several draft breeds - from Lippizans and Morgans to English Shires, both white and black - the unit has settled on a draft mix as being optimal for its mission.
The most famous caparisoned horse was Black Jack. He was foaled Jan. 19, 1947, and was the last of the Quartermaster-issue horses branded with the Army's "US" brand. He was named after Gen. of the Armies John J. "Black Jack" Pershing.
He participated in the funerals of presidents John F. Kennedy, Herbert Hoover and Lyndon Johnson, Gen. of the Army Douglas MacArthur and thousands of other funerals during his 24 years of service with The Old Guard. Upon his death, Feb. 6, 1976, he was buried on the parade field at Fort Myer, VA.
I've been praying since early this morning that none of them would "fall out" bearing the heat of the uniforms and the horrid humidity.
I've seen it happen too often.
Wonder how long Nancy can live without her Dutch?
I'll watch it, but I'll be crying for a different reason.
Michael was there at Andrews..but I haven't seen him yet at the Capital.
This is like something out of Greek Mythology or English or Imperial proceedings.
Clinton will be lucky if he gets the Washington city sanitation trucks to come out in hot weather.
Its hard not to be a bit envious but awed.
Not a cloud in the sky over the Capitol.
I would join the military, become an honor guard, be assigned to carry the casket, then drop the damn thing and walk away.
Somebody else will have to start that thread; I won't be doing that one........LOL.
Look at him though- he is talking and chatting and acting inappropriately.
Do you mean his funeral or his death?
Are they volunteers or will they be ordered?
It this a posting of priveledge that has to be earned?
Yes
Gives the best view from heaven that way. ;)
I am curious about her glasses. Are they coming back "in?"
No, I can't seem to find Michael..
Only saw him earlier when they were loading the body on the plane in CA
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.