Photo By Cpl. Antwaun Jefferson | Lance Cpl. Louwan Brake, one of two rifle-bearers for the color guard awaits his queue...... read more read more
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QUANTICO, Va. - Color Guards were used during Base Sgt. Maj. Leon S. Thorton’s post and relief ceremony held at Lejeune Hall here Sept. 2. Since early history, flags have been used by many in battles. They served several purposes: to identify units, for signaling and to be a sort of reference for the movements of the soldiers in the unit, helping them to keep formation
The flag was also a symbol of the unit. The loss of a unit’s flag was not only shameful, but losing this central point of reference could make the unit break up. To protect the flag, a detachment of soldiers was assigned to guard it.
“During ceremonies the Color Guard consists of enlisted members,” said Sgt. Craig Taylor, the base color sergeant here. “They present the flags of the United States and of the Marine Corps. They are also flanked by two rifle-bearers.”
In the U.S., traditionally, the unit’s sergeant major is responsible for the safeguarding, care and display of the organizational colors. The sergeant major is also responsible for the selection, training, and performance of the members.
The color guard is usually commanded by the senior color guard sergeant, who carries the National Ensign, which is the American flag, and gives the necessary commands for movements and rendering honors during drill exercises or parade ceremonies.
“There’s no better feeling than when having the opportunity to lead Marines,” Taylor said.
The color guard is formed and marched in one rank at close interval, which is shoulder to shoulder. Since the National Colors must always be in the position closest to the guide, the color guard must execute a special movement to reverse direction. It does not execute rear march, nor does it execute about face.
Rather, it performs a maneuver derived from the standard counter column command, generally known as counter march or colors reverse march, in order to keep the precedence of flags in order.
In the Marine Corps there is also a mounted color guard as well.
Since 1967 this mounted color guard has been stationed aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., representing the Marine Corps and the base worldwide.
The riders are trained to recognize that horses are living creatures capable of thinking, feeling, and decision-making. The Marines learn to respect their mounts as individuals with different personalities. Being aware of each horse’s potential and learning how to bring it out challenges every rider to be a better horseman.
Being assigned to the color guard is considered an honor because these individuals present and carry the symbols of their unit and country.
“I love having this opportunity” said Lance Cpl. Louwan Blake, one of the rifle-bearers in the color guard that participated in the sergeant major post and relief ceremony at Lejeune Hall here Sept.
2.
“You get to be a part of ceremonies and events that others have never experience in their career in the Marine Corps.”
Being a color guard is honored traditional detail that adds dignity to any military activity while showing respect to our Nation and those who have served it.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2012 09:25 |
| Story ID: | 98007 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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