Silver Spring native becomes member of elite Navy Honor Guard

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Honor Guard. 

Seaman Nicholas Dorsey, a 2015 Albert Einstein High School graduate and student at Howard Community College, joined the Navy five months ago. Today, Dorsey serves as an U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

"I joined the Navy to experience the military lifestyle and to follow in the footsteps of my brother who served in the Marine Corps," said Dorsey. "I also wanted to give myself the opportunity to pay for school and further my education."

"I have learned many things but mostly, that nothing worth doing comes easy," added Dorsey. "Diligence and hard work will take you far, not only in the military, but in life. I learned to enjoy what is difficult and use my drive to push past adversity."

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

 

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

"The best thing I enjoy about serving at this command is that I not only witness but I am a part of the final journey of military personnel," said Dorsey. "That honor is not something that is so freely given, it is earned."

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 past service members to their resting ground. Whether it is in Arlington National Cemetery, or another veteran's cemetery. The firing party renders the 21 Gun Salute, the signature honor of military funerals, during every Navy Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.

Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Dorsey is most proud of representing the Navy in the joint service funeral for former Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

"It truly was an honor to be a part of a memorable point in history for the United States," said Dorsey.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Dorsey, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow. 

"To serve in the Navy is to serve the land you walk on and the seas you set sail across," added Dorsey. "It is to sacrifice what you're able to give so that your nation may prosper in peace."