Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Brigitte Johnston | NORFOLK, Va. (July 22, 2017) -- USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) color guard parade the...... read more read more
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A young Sailor assigned to the United States Navy Ceremonial Color Guard stands at the head of a casket on a sunny May morning. He is the head casket bearer for a fallen Sailor. His job is to fold and present the national flag to the next-of-kin.
Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Atwood inspects the flag shortly before kneeling down to meet eye-level with an older lady with tears in her eyes – the fallen Sailor’s mother.
It was his first time presenting someone with the flag and the now all-too-familiar words, which form the casket bearer’s speech.
Now onboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Atwood serves as the assistant leading petty officer for the ship’s color guard, alongside Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ryan Shortridge, the leading petty officer.
“One of the reasons I joined color guard was I always wanted to be involved in the history of the military,” said Shortridge.
According to the Color Guard Historical Society, in the 17th century the most highly skilled soldiers carried their regiment’s colors at strategic points in their formation so that their fellow soldiers could position themselves accordingly. In such a formation, capturing the colors for a decisive victory was extremely difficult.
Modern military tactics have made it obsolete to carry colors into war zones. The practice of parading the colors has transitioned to more ceremonial occasions such as parades, ceremonies, and funerals. A modern day color guard detail is seen with the national flag, the flag of their branch of military, and two riflemen symbolizing the ongoing pledge to protect the colors.
“The color guard is one of the oldest military traditions which serves every branch of the United States military,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Joshua Ott, a Ford color guard member. “Being a part of color guard, I represent all the men who have served in all the wars and all the men and women who still fight to this day.”
Atwood, Shortridge, and Ott have all represented their country and served on color guard at previous commands or as a temporarily assigned duty. Combined they have served at more than 900 ceremonies.
“Every time means a lot to me,” said Atwood. “I like being there to help service members celebrate their service. Being able to present the colors for them or fold a flag for them, it’s a truly honoring experience.”
The experiences these three have is different than that of most of Ford’s color guard.
“One of the unique things about being here is that this team is so new,” said Shortridge. “We have a lot of junior Sailors here on the color guard; some of them it’s their first command.”
Having a younger team has lead to more teachable moments.
“The biggest thing for me is that I am so glad and proud to be a mentor,” said Shortridge. “I am a mentor to three people on color guard, but I would like to say I’ve helped them all in some way.”
However young the team, they all seem to have noteworthy attributes.
“The characteristics that make for a good color guard member is someone who is motivated, who always shows up, volunteers, is willing to learn, and who goes above and beyond,” said Atwood. “The best characteristic is someone who is passionate above all else; those people stand out. Our team is made of these type of people.”
The young team had the opportunity to perform in front of the commander-in-chief, President Donald J. Trump, at the Ford’s commissioning July 22.
“I try not to think about performing in front of higher ranking personnel,” said Atwood. “I tell myself ‘alright, I can do this.’ When I get there my heart is racing and I just want to be perfect because everyone is watching. I don’t want to mess up. But I try not to let the moment get too big for me. I try to view it as just another ceremony.”
Consistent practice helps Ford’s color guard prepare for such high profile ceremonies. Practicing once a week has led to the team’s utmost professional appearance.
“As a member of color guard, you are very squared away, both mentally and physically,” said Ott. “Our job is to do our best. We are there to honor the flag and we do just that.”
On any occasion that Ford’s color guard is requested, you can count on receiving the same professional performance.
“You never know who will be at a ceremony,” said Atwood. “It’s hard sometimes not showing any emotion. But in those kinds of instances you just have to do the thousand-yard stare and be professional. You have to remember you are celebrating a service member. I try to make a good impression on them because the service is for them.”
That same professionalism is what helped Atwood recite the casket bearer’s speech to the fallen Sailor’s mother.
“On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Navy, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s honorable and faithful service,” said Atwood to the mother.
The mother extended her arms to closely embrace the national flag. Atwood rose to his feet and gave a final salute to honor the fallen shipmate. He rejoined his color guard detail and gave the order to march off, blending into the ceremony again.
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2018 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 264436 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, More Than Just the Red, White and Blue, by PO2 Elizabeth Thompson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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