WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember fallen service members, a native of Laredo, Texas, has special responsibilities honoring fallen comrades in the nation’s capital with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
"As a casket bearer, I get to be part of a sublime ceremony for those fallen service members,” said Airman Salvador Alvarez, who joined the Navy two years ago. “Not everyone in the Navy gets to do a job so important for the families.”
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 in Washington, D.C.
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 Laredo, Alvarez attended Martin High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Alvarez uses skills and values similar to those learned in Laredo.
“Growing up, the life lesson I have carried over to my naval career is the importance of exposing myself to different experiences outside of my comfort zone,” said Alvarez. "My family also taught me the value of hard work and dedication to your job, regardless of its challenges."
These lessons continue to help Alvarez 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 Alvarez 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 covers a big part of the world, securing the oceans and extending to the air, land and cyberspace,” said Alvarez.
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.
Alvarez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“In my career, my biggest accomplishment is working at the Ceremonial Guard,” said Alvarez. "As a casket bearer, I am part of the moment when we honor important people and their ultimate sacrifice."
As Alvarez 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 to me,” added Alvarez. "I am the first one in my family to serve. With my decision to be here, I broke barriers in my family line for other generations from the Alvarez to follow through."