Horse Guard Military Graduation Ceremony

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) will hold a Military Graduation Ceremony from 10-11 am on Sunday, June 27, at the Fairfield Hills headquarters.

The seven-member recruit class will receive graduating certificates and spurs after completing a 22-week basic training course.

Edward Anuszewski of Southbury, Michael Barton-Sweeney of Guilford, Brian F Buckley of New Fairfield, Leslie Damato of Cheshire, Elizabeth Milazzo of Brookfield, Kimberly L Peterson of Southbury, and Cathleen Rebello of Ansonia have worked hard to learn all of the required skills to become 2GHG Privates.

The course included military drill and ceremony, and mounted and dismounted drill and equine studies. Training Officer 2nd Lt Jennifer Mazzara and Training NCO Sgt Matthew Comeau taught the recruits Cavalry Drill, proper care of tack, care and grooming of the horses and military courtesy.

Graduation ceremonies will include the historic cavalry tradition of having each new Trooper open a bottle of champagne with a saber, followed by a round of toasting.

Troopers will be welcomed by Major Gordon Johnson and then they will join the Unit.

The Horse Guard is an all-volunteer state militia unit serving the Governor and the State of Connecticut under the direction of the Connecticut National Guard.

It is one of the oldest cavalry units in the United States and members are dedicated to preserving Cavalry traditions. The 42 troopers and 24 mounts of 2GHG practice mounted military drill year round in authentic 1928 model McClellan saddles, the last issued by the US Army.

This event is open to the public and the Horse Guard welcomes interested parties to meet the training staff and also see the facility and the 2GHG mounts.

The Troopers and Mounts of the 2GHG remain, as always, “Ready to Serve.”