Thanksgiving at Fort Lesley J McNair in 1964

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 1964

Back in 1964,  it was when Fort Lesley J McNair had a post commander, Colonel Horace E Townsend.  The Military District of Washington (MDW), Colonel Louis Gershenow was Acting Commander, had still not moved onto the post. And both the Army Corps of Engineers and US Army Band – “Pershing’s Own” relocated to different posts (the Band relocated to Fort Myer in the 1940s and along with it, the US Army School of Music.)

 

The 67th Ordnance Detachment (EOD) & Old Guard Garrisoned on Post

Yet, there were troops that were garrisoned on the post. They enjoyed a very delightful meal. Among them were the troops from the 67th Ordnance Detachment (EOD) stationed at Fort McNair. Responsible for EOD support to the Secret Service and their mission of safeguarding the President and other VIPs in Washington D.C. and international locations to which they traveled. And the US Army’s oldest infantry unit – the 3d Infantry – The Old Guard – Alpha Company.  This company of soldiers, which in current times is also known as the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard, is one of the specialty units within this regiment.

The Commander-in-Chief’s Guard

These soldiers are the ones who wear the colonial uniform as prescribed by General George Washington and carry flintlocks which they refer to as “firelocks” with long bayonets. Their officers carry items known as espontoons. Their marching style is rather unique for today’s way of marching,  especially when it comes to turning – they do “wheels”!

 

 

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OLD GUARD 1964 THANKSGIVING MENU

OVER 200 HISTORICAL IMAGES, MAPS & ILLUSTRATIONS

The book, Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair contains over two hundred historical photographs, images, and illustrations which chronicle the two hundred plus years of history among the acres of this US Army Post.

The book “Images of America – Fort Lesley J McNair”  is “a walk down memory lane” as one reader called it after he turned the last page.  Go beyond