WASHINGTON, D.C. - As the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember fallen service members, a native of Rogers, Minnesota, 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 |
"At members of the Ceremonial Guard, we represent a low percentage of the military force working in a unique command,” said Airman Madeline Anderson, who joined the Navy two years ago. “We wear special uniforms, perform special drills and are held to high standards because of what we represent.”
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 Rogers, Anderson attended Rogers High School and graduated in 2020. Today, Anderson uses skills and values similar to those learned in Rogers.
“Growing up, the life lesson I have carried over to my naval career is respect,” said Anderson. "Here in the Navy, I work with a lot of people from all walks of life and I need to manage navigating differences with respect."
These lessons continue to help Anderson 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 Anderson 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’s presence in the U.S and overseas helps protect our interest and ensures we can work alongside our allies,” said Anderson.
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.
Anderson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My biggest accomplishment in my naval career is being part of the Ceremonial Guard and having the opportunity to represent the face of the Navy, what we do and our professionalism at its finest,” said Anderson.
As Anderson 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 new opportunities and chances to go anywhere in the world,” added Anderson.