Military Foot Drill And Ceremony Part Of Tercentennial Celebration
Military Foot Drill And Ceremony Part Of Tercentennial Celebration
The public will be treated to a spectacular display of military ground drills when more than 160 troopers from the First and Second Company Horse and Foot Guards come together on August 6, from 4 to 5 pm, on the grounds of Fairfield Hills, for a Battalion Review and recognition ceremony.
The community is invited to observe as the 100 percent volunteer guards take part in the recognition service at the all-day Tercentennial Celebration.
Says Corp Christine Johnson, public affairs NCO, âIt is a great public thing to see. We are a part of the military and it is very much us standing there wearing our uniforms and supporting our troops who are fighting. We are here to serve and protect the governor and to serve the communities of Connecticut.â
The First Company Governorâs Foot Guard was organized in October 1771 and is the oldest military organization in the continuous existence of the United States. Its horse guard was chartered in May 1778. The foot guard is out of Hartford, with the horse guard unit housed in Avon.
The Second Governorâs Foot Guard was chartered in March 1775 in New Haven, with the horse guard being chartered in 1808 âto attend and escort the governor in times of war and peace.â The equine members of The Second Company Governorâs Horse Guard, headquartered on Wildlife Drive in Newtown, are a familiar sight to locals traversing Wasserman Way.
The Battalion Review is held once a year. On August 6, viewers will witness ground drills and ceremony marching in strict formations, and music by the foot guard band will accompany the drills. Troopers will be awarded for years in service, trooper of the year, and other service recognitions during this formal ceremony.
For the safety of the public, the horses of the Second Company Governorâs Horse Guard will not be in attendance. Standing still for the length of a Battalion Review, says Corp Johnson, is difficult for the 32 horses that are part of their unit.
Adjutant General for the State of Connecticut Thaddeus Martin has been invited to attend the ceremonies. It is hoped, states Corp Johnson, that Governor M. Jodi Rell and Representative Julia Wasserman will also be able to attend the review.