MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Hospitalman Daniel Booker, a 2022 Tallwood High School graduate, joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Booker serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
“I joined the Navy because I needed more structure in my life and thought I could get it from serving my country,” said Booker.
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.
“What I like best about serving in the Ceremonial Guard is that we get to honor those sailors who have fallen and that there are many chances to meet very powerful members of the military and government,” said Booker.
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.
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.
“Serving in the Navy has taught me that there are a lot of programs the military has set up to help service members wherever they need it,” said Booker.
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
“Graduating boot camp and Ceremonial Guard training have been my biggest accomplishments, but the day I did my first funeral, I was the most proud to be honoring our fallen sailors,” said Booker.
As Booker and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m honoring not just my country but everyone who has gone before me to defend this country,” added Booker.