Fort Drum salutes the nation

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Mark Moore | Howitzers fired a 56 gun salute honoring the states and territories of the U.S. at a Salute to the Nation ceremony held on Fort Drum's Division Hill June 28.  

FORT DRUM, NY, UNITED STATES

06.28.2012

Story by Sgt. Mark Moore 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - The Fort Drum and the North Country Community gathered for a Salute to the Nation Ceremony on Division Hill today. Among the guests in the crowd were, Sgt. Maj of the Army, Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler, the Gold Star Families of Fallen Soldiers from Fort Drum and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The event began with an awards ceremony recognizing 2nd Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team for winning the Commanders Cup during this week’s Mountain Fest. Also recognized were the Fort Drum Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer of the year and the winner of the Brigadier General Darby Award.

Heads were then bowed and the invocation was given followed by honors rendered to the Nation’s Colors.

Soldiers marched onto the parade field, each holding a flag that represented a state or territory of this nation. A volley of 56 cannon blasts were fired honoring each state or territory.

The Sgt. Maj. of the Army was this year’s guest speaker. He talked about big army changes and noted that regardless of this army’s size he knew we would be ready to do the nations work. He praised the heroes of today’s army and gave special credit to soldiers who have fought and died before us.

“Those of us that serve today are only successful because we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us,” said Chandler.

The event ended with a display of the 10th Mountain Division’s air assault capabilities. Footage of the air assault display can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjsT27F7JdQ&feature=youtu.be

• Date Taken: 06.28.2012
• Date Posted: 06.29.2012 12:23
• Story ID: 90850
• Location: FORT DRUM, NY, US