Posted on 11/08/2006 4:47:30 PM PST by SandRat
FORT MYER, Va. (Army Public Affairs, Nov. 7, 2006) – With Veterans Day approaching, citizens have begun looking at the sacrifices servicemembers have endured to protect the freedoms of America.
Last Friday, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) recognized individuals who made huge sacrifices in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom by hosting patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to an all-day event.
Cpt. Eric Stainbrook, Staff Sergeants Mia Sidlasky and Eric Sundell, Sgt. Ryan Hackett and Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Ahern laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in front of fellow servicemembers and civilians to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“Being at the Tomb was very somber and very humbling. It was a great experience to pay respects and see all the people watching and paying their own respects,” said 2nd Lt. Walter B. Jackson, a WRAMC patient.
Following the wreath ceremony, Tomb Sentinels Staff Sgt. Stephen Kuehn, Sgt. Christopher Moore and Spc. Matthew Perovich led the patients through ANC on buses, highlighting historical gravesites and markers along the way.
Patients then had time to interact with members of The Old Guard while being treated to lunch at the Fort Myer Dining Facility.
“The dining facility was a great opportunity for our Soldiers to get to know the patients on a personal level. I think some friendship bonds were being formed and that is a positive thing,” said Sgt. Jeremy Kern, a bus escort.
The patients also visited The Old Guard stables, where the horses that walk in ANC funerals are housed and maintained by the Caisson Platoon, a unique group of Soldiers qualified to ride on horses during funerals.
The day finished with performances by the U.S. Army Drill Team, Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Band (Pershing’s Own) Choral Singers and an NCO-led full-honor review ceremony.
“The review was amazing. I felt very privileged to be honored like that. The professionalism and caring The Old Guard demonstrated was outstanding,” Jackson said.
The Old Guard Regimental Commander, Col. Bob Pricone, addressed the patients during the ceremony.
“Our Soldiers wanted you to know that we have the utmost respect and admiration for what you have endured and continue to endure in the defense of freedom at home and around the world,” he said.
“We thank you for answering your country’s call, putting your boots on the ground in a physical demonstration of America’s commitment to pay any price, bear any burden and meet any challenge and defeat any enemy that stands between the blessings of freedom and the people who desire to live with those blessings.”
Caring for their Brothers.
It's been a terrible 24 hours with the elections. I can always count on our military to give us class and pride to help us recover.
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