The Old Guard firing party is comprised of one firing party commander and seven Old Guard Infantryman who hold the sacred duty of rendering final honors to military veterans through the precision of a 21-gun salute. On the command of “ready” each member of the firing party removes his weapon from the safe position. On the command of “aim” the butt of the weapon is brought up to the pocket of the shoulder meticulously so that the handgrip rests in the palm of the left hand, and the right hand grasps the small of the stock with the finger on the trigger. The firers then simultaneously turn their heads, keeping them vertical, to look over the barrel of the weapons. On the command of “fire” all weapons are fired in unison; each firer then return his weapon to the port arms position to await further orders. On the command of “ready” the firing party charges and releases the charging handle, in unison, seating the second round. The seven members of the firing party continue to take commands from the firing party commander and execute as one element until the 21-gun salute to the honored military veteran is complete.

Continue ReadingThe Old Guard firing party is comprised of one firing party commander and seven Old Guard Infantryman who hold the sacred duty of rendering final honors to military veterans through the precision of a 21-gun salute. On the command of “ready” each member of the firing party removes his weapon from the safe position. On the command of “aim” the butt of the weapon is brought up to the pocket of the shoulder meticulously so that the handgrip rests in the palm of the left hand, and the right hand grasps the small of the stock with the finger on the trigger. The firers then simultaneously turn their heads, keeping them vertical, to look over the barrel of the weapons. On the command of “fire” all weapons are fired in unison; each firer then return his weapon to the port arms position to await further orders. On the command of “ready” the firing party charges and releases the charging handle, in unison, seating the second round. The seven members of the firing party continue to take commands from the firing party commander and execute as one element until the 21-gun salute to the honored military veteran is complete.

The Old Guard firing party is comprised of one firing party commander and seven Old Guard Infantryman who hold the sacred duty of rendering final honors to military veterans through the precision of a 21-gun salute. On the command of “ready” each member of the firing party removes his weapon from the safe position. On the command of “aim” the butt of the weapon is brought up to the pocket of the shoulder meticulously so that the handgrip rests in the palm of the left hand, and the right hand grasps the small of the stock with the finger on the trigger. The firers then simultaneously turn their heads, keeping them vertical, to look over the barrel of the weapons. On the command of “fire” all weapons are fired in unison; each firer then return his weapon to the port arms position to await further orders. On the command of “ready” the firing party charges and releases the charging handle, in unison, seating the second round. The seven members of the firing party continue to take commands from the firing party commander and execute as one element until the 21-gun salute to the honored military veteran is complete.

Continue ReadingThe Old Guard firing party is comprised of one firing party commander and seven Old Guard Infantryman who hold the sacred duty of rendering final honors to military veterans through the precision of a 21-gun salute. On the command of “ready” each member of the firing party removes his weapon from the safe position. On the command of “aim” the butt of the weapon is brought up to the pocket of the shoulder meticulously so that the handgrip rests in the palm of the left hand, and the right hand grasps the small of the stock with the finger on the trigger. The firers then simultaneously turn their heads, keeping them vertical, to look over the barrel of the weapons. On the command of “fire” all weapons are fired in unison; each firer then return his weapon to the port arms position to await further orders. On the command of “ready” the firing party charges and releases the charging handle, in unison, seating the second round. The seven members of the firing party continue to take commands from the firing party commander and execute as one element until the 21-gun salute to the honored military veteran is complete.

Today is Medal of Honor day at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 400 Medal of Honor recipients are represented at Arlington National Cemetery, ranging from the Civil War to current conflicts. There are three different types of Medal of Honor today: the original star shape established in 1861, which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, adopted in 1965. All three types are worn suspended below a neck ribbon. On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.” On December 21, 1861, the bill passed, authorizing 200 such medals to be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war” [the Civil War]. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill, inaugurating the Navy Medal of Honor. Two months later, on February 17, 1862, Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson introduced a similar bill to authorize the president “to distribute medals to privates in the Army of the United States who shall distinguish themselves in battle.” The bill passed both houses of Congress, President Lincoln signed it, and on July 12, 1862, the Army Medal of Honor was established. On August 10, 1956, legislation authorized the United States Air Force (established as a separate service branch in 1947) to create its own Medal of Honor. In 1965, the Air Force introduced its distinctive medal, which is similar to the Army’s wreath design but larger and featuring the head of the Statue of Liberty. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many Medal of Honor recipients from the following conflicts: Indian Wars Civil War Spanish American War Philippine Insurrection Boxer Rebellion Mexican Service Campaign (Vera Cruz) Haitian Campaign World War I Second Nicaraguan Campaign World War II Korean War Vietnam War Operation Iraqi Freedom

Continue ReadingToday is Medal of Honor day at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 400 Medal of Honor recipients are represented at Arlington National Cemetery, ranging from the Civil War to current conflicts. There are three different types of Medal of Honor today: the original star shape established in 1861, which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, adopted in 1965. All three types are worn suspended below a neck ribbon. On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.” On December 21, 1861, the bill passed, authorizing 200 such medals to be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war” [the Civil War]. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill, inaugurating the Navy Medal of Honor. Two months later, on February 17, 1862, Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson introduced a similar bill to authorize the president “to distribute medals to privates in the Army of the United States who shall distinguish themselves in battle.” The bill passed both houses of Congress, President Lincoln signed it, and on July 12, 1862, the Army Medal of Honor was established. On August 10, 1956, legislation authorized the United States Air Force (established as a separate service branch in 1947) to create its own Medal of Honor. In 1965, the Air Force introduced its distinctive medal, which is similar to the Army’s wreath design but larger and featuring the head of the Statue of Liberty. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many Medal of Honor recipients from the following conflicts: Indian Wars Civil War Spanish American War Philippine Insurrection Boxer Rebellion Mexican Service Campaign (Vera Cruz) Haitian Campaign World War I Second Nicaraguan Campaign World War II Korean War Vietnam War Operation Iraqi Freedom

Today is Medal of Honor day at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 400 Medal of Honor recipients are represented at Arlington National Cemetery, ranging from the Civil War to current conflicts. There are three different types of Medal of Honor today: the original star shape established in 1861, which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, adopted in 1965. All three types are worn suspended below a neck ribbon. On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.” On December 21, 1861, the bill passed, authorizing 200 such medals to be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war” [the Civil War]. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill, inaugurating the Navy Medal of Honor. Two months later, on February 17, 1862, Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson introduced a similar bill to authorize the president “to distribute medals to privates in the Army of the United States who shall distinguish themselves in battle.” The bill passed both houses of Congress, President Lincoln signed it, and on July 12, 1862, the Army Medal of Honor was established. On August 10, 1956, legislation authorized the United States Air Force (established as a separate service branch in 1947) to create its own Medal of Honor. In 1965, the Air Force introduced its distinctive medal, which is similar to the Army’s wreath design but larger and featuring the head of the Statue of Liberty. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many Medal of Honor recipients from the following conflicts: Indian Wars Civil War Spanish American War Philippine Insurrection Boxer Rebellion Mexican Service Campaign (Vera Cruz) Haitian Campaign World War I Second Nicaraguan Campaign World War II Korean War Vietnam War Operation Iraqi Freedom

Continue ReadingToday is Medal of Honor day at Arlington National Cemetery. More than 400 Medal of Honor recipients are represented at Arlington National Cemetery, ranging from the Civil War to current conflicts. There are three different types of Medal of Honor today: the original star shape established in 1861, which the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have retained; a wreath version designed in 1904 for the Army; and an altered wreath version for the Air Force, adopted in 1965. All three types are worn suspended below a neck ribbon. On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.” On December 21, 1861, the bill passed, authorizing 200 such medals to be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war” [the Civil War]. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill, inaugurating the Navy Medal of Honor. Two months later, on February 17, 1862, Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson introduced a similar bill to authorize the president “to distribute medals to privates in the Army of the United States who shall distinguish themselves in battle.” The bill passed both houses of Congress, President Lincoln signed it, and on July 12, 1862, the Army Medal of Honor was established. On August 10, 1956, legislation authorized the United States Air Force (established as a separate service branch in 1947) to create its own Medal of Honor. In 1965, the Air Force introduced its distinctive medal, which is similar to the Army’s wreath design but larger and featuring the head of the Statue of Liberty. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many Medal of Honor recipients from the following conflicts: Indian Wars Civil War Spanish American War Philippine Insurrection Boxer Rebellion Mexican Service Campaign (Vera Cruz) Haitian Campaign World War I Second Nicaraguan Campaign World War II Korean War Vietnam War Operation Iraqi Freedom

The Old Post Chapel is situated adjoining Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery on Meigs Drive. Meigs Drive is named after prominent military leader Major Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs who is buried in Section 1 of the cemetery. As quartermaster general of the Army during the Civil War, Meigs directed the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery. A West Point graduate, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, supervising several important prewar projects in Washington, D.C. — including the Washington Aqueduct and the construction of the wings and dome of the U.S. Capitol. In May 1861, shortly after the Civil War began, Meigs was appointed to quartermaster general, charged with managing Army logistics. In this capacity, he oversaw military burials, and in May 1864 he designated part of Robert E. Lee and Mary Custis Lee’s former estate, now occupied by Union troops, as an Army cemetery. His wife, Louisa Meigs, was the first person to be buried, in 1879, in the family’s plot off of Meigs Drive; Montgomery Meigs joined her in January 1892, following a full military honors funeral at the cemetery he had helped to create.

Continue ReadingThe Old Post Chapel is situated adjoining Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery on Meigs Drive. Meigs Drive is named after prominent military leader Major Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs who is buried in Section 1 of the cemetery. As quartermaster general of the Army during the Civil War, Meigs directed the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery. A West Point graduate, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, supervising several important prewar projects in Washington, D.C. — including the Washington Aqueduct and the construction of the wings and dome of the U.S. Capitol. In May 1861, shortly after the Civil War began, Meigs was appointed to quartermaster general, charged with managing Army logistics. In this capacity, he oversaw military burials, and in May 1864 he designated part of Robert E. Lee and Mary Custis Lee’s former estate, now occupied by Union troops, as an Army cemetery. His wife, Louisa Meigs, was the first person to be buried, in 1879, in the family’s plot off of Meigs Drive; Montgomery Meigs joined her in January 1892, following a full military honors funeral at the cemetery he had helped to create.

The Old Post Chapel is situated adjoining Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery on Meigs Drive. Meigs Drive is named after prominent military leader Major Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs who is buried in Section 1 of the cemetery. As quartermaster general of the Army during the Civil War, Meigs directed the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery. A West Point graduate, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, supervising several important prewar projects in Washington, D.C. — including the Washington Aqueduct and the construction of the wings and dome of the U.S. Capitol. In May 1861, shortly after the Civil War began, Meigs was appointed to quartermaster general, charged with managing Army logistics. In this capacity, he oversaw military burials, and in May 1864 he designated part of Robert E. Lee and Mary Custis Lee’s former estate, now occupied by Union troops, as an Army cemetery. His wife, Louisa Meigs, was the first person to be buried, in 1879, in the family’s plot off of Meigs Drive; Montgomery Meigs joined her in January 1892, following a full military honors funeral at the cemetery he had helped to create.

Continue ReadingThe Old Post Chapel is situated adjoining Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery on Meigs Drive. Meigs Drive is named after prominent military leader Major Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs who is buried in Section 1 of the cemetery. As quartermaster general of the Army during the Civil War, Meigs directed the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery. A West Point graduate, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, supervising several important prewar projects in Washington, D.C. — including the Washington Aqueduct and the construction of the wings and dome of the U.S. Capitol. In May 1861, shortly after the Civil War began, Meigs was appointed to quartermaster general, charged with managing Army logistics. In this capacity, he oversaw military burials, and in May 1864 he designated part of Robert E. Lee and Mary Custis Lee’s former estate, now occupied by Union troops, as an Army cemetery. His wife, Louisa Meigs, was the first person to be buried, in 1879, in the family’s plot off of Meigs Drive; Montgomery Meigs joined her in January 1892, following a full military honors funeral at the cemetery he had helped to create.