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 Manassas, Virginia, has special responsibilities honoring fallen comrades in the nation’s capital with the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
 |
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
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 Colombia, Norris attended Luis Calixto Leiva High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Norris uses skills and values similar to those learned growing up.
“I didn't have many opportunities when I was growing up," said Norris. "My family didn't have that much money but we never went to bed hungry. My mom raised me and she always made sure I understood the consequences of the paths I chose and the decisions I made. Because of the way I grew up, I'm not scared to face challenges and instead welcome them. They make me better.”
These lessons continue to help Norris 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 Norris 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 ensures our oceans are secure," said Norris. "We are the largest Navy in the world and we are always ready to face any challenge."
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.
Norris and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm the most proud of just having joined the Navy," said Norris. "It has changed my life. Being here at the Ceremonial Guard has given me a lot of great opportunities. I'm proud that we are a team and we are always helping each other no matter what we're doing.”
As Norris 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.
“I never thought I'd join the military but joining the U.S. Navy is an honor," added Norris. "I'm the first from my family in Colombia to have joined the military."