As the nation pauses to remember those who serve our country, a 2016 Coffee County High School graduate and Douglas, Georgia, native has special responsibilities serving with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard in Washington D.C.
“The best part about serving in the ceremonial guard is the opportunities it provides as well as the experience,” said Sanchez.
Established in 1931, the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official Ceremonial Unit of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex.
Sanchez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in their hometown of Douglas.
“My hometown taught me the importance of respect and manners,” said Sanchez.
According to Navy officials, the Ceremonial Guard's primary mission is to represent the Navy in the Nation's Capital under the scrutiny of the highest-ranking officials of the United States and foreign nations, including royalty.
Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination, and timing.
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers, and firing party.
Casket bearers carry the Navy's former service members to their resting ground in Arlington National Cemetery and other veteran cemeteries.
The firing party renders honors, such as a gun salute, the signature honor of military funerals, during every Navy Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sanchez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy honoring service and sacrifice of men and women on this historic occasion, while representing the Navy the nation needs.
Serving in the Navy, Sanchez is learning about leadership and responsibility, among many other skills required of military service.
“Serving in the Navy means contributing back to my country,” said Sanchez.