By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember fallen service members, a native of Laguna Niguel, California, has special responsibilities honoring fallen comrades in the nation’s capital with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
“I'm part of the drill team,” said Airman Cameron Harris, who joined the Navy one year ago. "We perform exhibitions with the rifles. We visit schools and conduct outreach to the communities. We also do volunteer work to help out as much as possible. We also participate in funerals around the capital region." 
According to Navy officials, the Ceremonial Guard's primary mission is to represent the Navy in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy and public ceremonies 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.
Growing up in Laguna Niguel, Harris attended Aliso Niguel High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Harris uses skills and values similar to those learned in Laguna Niguel.
“Growing up, I learned that life is as hard as you want to make it,” said Harris.
These lessons continue to help Harris while serving in the military.
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.
Serving in the Navy means Harris is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national security by providing a 24-hour watch all around the world,” said Harris.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Harris and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud to be selected as a member of the Ceremonial Guard,” said Harris. "I formed a good team at bootcamp, and it worked out well. My recruit division commanders saw potential in me and gave me great support."
As Harris and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot,” added Harris. "My dad is a former Chief Warrant Officer in the Army. The fact that he served made it more sentimental for me. What we do here is very special to me."