Pride. Poise. Perfection.
For the first time, the United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard will make a special appearance at the Coast Guard Community Festival. The elite 23-member drill team will perform on Thursday, May 3 at the Coast Guard Ball.
The Coast Guard Honor Guard represents the Commandant, the Military District of Washington and the United States Coast Guard at ceremonies before world leaders and dignitaries. Ceremonies include parades, funerals and White House dignitary arrivals, as well as presenting colors at local and official functions. They perform more than 1,600 ceremonies annually.
The Honor Guard was established in 1962 by 11th Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Alfred C. Richmond, and by order of President John F. Kennedy. Prior to that, the Coast Guard’s Recruit Training Center in Cape May supplied recruit platoons to represent the Coast Guard in national ceremonies.
The Honor Guard is comprised of 73 members lead by a Lieutenant, two Junior Officers, a Chief Petty Officer and four Petty Officers. The remaining members are “first-tour” non-rated personnel coming directly from Training Center Cape May.
New members go through a rigorous eight-week training program. They learn uniform preparation, ceremonial marching and rifle manual of arms. When ready to graduate, members participate in a time honored “Going Up” ceremony that tests their ceremonial skills and movements. After graduating, they earn specialty qualifications in two of the following: Casket Team, Color Guard, Firing Party or Drill Team.
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