Photo By Officer Candidate Jesse Searls | One hundred volunteers with the District of Columbia National Guard unfurl a...... read more read more
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By Senior Airman Jennifer Hotte
WASHINGTON - Typically, being in the military is no walk in the ball park. However, on April 1, it was exactly that.
For nine years, the District of Columbia National Guard has unfurled the American flag during the opening game of the Washington Nationals baseball team. For the past six years, this tradition has been done using the same routines: many of the same servicemen, the same stadium and the same flag unfurled during the national anthem.
This year, however, was different.
Due to the recent sequestration guidance the customary F-16 fly-over was canceled and there was debate on whether to cancel the flag unfurling, as well.
“The flag unfurling is such a great contribution to our nation and service members. We just couldn’t let that happen,” said Staff Sgt. Jakenda Murray from the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard.
Dedicated members of the D.C. Guard worked hard to keep the tradition alive without incurring any cost to the government to make sure Washingtonians was their local National Guard on opening day as they have since the Nationals returned to D.C.
More than 60 soldiers and airmen volunteered in a non-pay status and provided their own transportation in order to support their local community.
“It’s not about the pay it’s about representing this uniform,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Sleeter, 113th Wing. “It is important to come out and support the community.”
The members of the National Guard arrived at Nationals Ballpark at 6:30 a.m., most taking a day of leave from the civilian jobs to have plenty of time to practice.
The flag is 150 by 300 feet, more than 1,000 pounds and consists of six pieces. This year, there were half the participants this event typically has.
“It requires a lot of team work in order to unfurl the flag with fewer people than normal,” said Tech. Sgt. Jenna Hall, from the 113th Wing. “The flag takes up the entire field and requires work from everyone so it doesn’t touch the ground.”
As the service members walked onto the field carrying the flag, 20,000 appreciative fans rose to their feet applauding and cheering their service.
“It’s electric hearing the crowd and knowing our sacrifice is meaningful and appreciated. This is what it is all about,” said Sleeter.
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2013 20:10 |
| Story ID: | 104434 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 194 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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