“To a newsman, one of the vivid things about America at war is the daily quota
of hero stories from our forces that flash in the distant war zones. When you are
in close touch with the news wire daily, you have a closer view of the abundant
accounts of individual courage and wealth of bravery. To me it has been simply
dazzling.” {‘These Men Shall Never Die” by Lowell Thomas}

A ceremonial component, the Honor Guard is usually of a military nature, comprised of men and women who have been carefully screened for their physical ability and dexterity.
Those who are deemed to be honor guards are highly motivated people, maintaining exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct.
Honor Guards serve-and-represent universally. Here, in the United States, their primary role is to guard national monuments and provide funeral honors for fallen comrades.
Honor Guards also serve as the ‘Guardians of the Colors,” displaying and escorting the national flag on ceremonial occasions. Another aspect of the honor guard is to provide detachments for review by visiting heads-of-state. To serve as ambassadors to the public is a mark of distinction.

Each military branch has it own honor guard -- Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, along with State National Guard units. Even though the official honor guard of each branch of the military is headquartered in Washington, D.C., most every military installation has its own honor guard for local ceremonies. One of the most well-known services of the honor guard is their representation at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. This is guarded by the U.S. 3rd Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard.
I had the distinct privilege to speak to four upstanding gentlemen who represent our U.S. military, who display and escort our national flag. Let me tell you a little about each of these brave men who are the “Guardians of the Colors.”

Mr. Ed Brady enlisted in the Army as a youth of seventeen. He was an important part of the artillery regiment, special weapons for artillery. A man of wisdom borne of lifelong knowledge, he has a true appreciation for family and friends. In serving his country Mr. Brady learned what national unity and strength really mean; people and experiences he couldn’t encounter anywhere else have forever changed his life. He is fortunate to have lifelong friends around the country he may not have had, had he not chosen to give of himself for our country.

Mr. Joe  Brown enlisted at seventeen years of age in the Army. He enjoyed devoting his time and talents to the Motor Pool as truck driver, diesel mechanic and the like. He was one of many in the Motor Pool who kept the wheels in motion. Every single position, more significantly, every single person and all they have to offer is important, working as a team, to achieve ultimate results. He worked with care and confidence, contributing his knowledge and aptitude in mechanical engineering to the benefit of the U.S. Army. What more can one ask for. Mr. Brown enjoys family, friends and all aspects of carpentry, including framing, siding, roofing.

Mr. Ed Grasso fulfilled his tour of duty in the Army. At twenty-one he was ready to devote his time and talents to his country in the Field Artillery/13 Bravo. His job was physically and mentally challenging. His skills and confidence were the groundwork entrusting the preparedness of our military to act immediately in any given armed-conflict situation. As part of such a fine unit, Mr. Grasso had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, making friends to last a lifetime. While retired, he enjoys fresh-water fishing, his family and friends.
Mr. Stephen Poore is a veteran of the Vietnam War. Recruited into the Marine Corps at the age of eighteen, he devoted his time as a corpsman/HM3. He spend four years making a difference in the lives of so many whom he touched, he helped in a fight for freedom. The perils and dangers of war are unbeknownst to those who have never walked in the shoes of those who were there. I don’t doubt Mr. Poore has some extraordinary, remarkable chronicles to share, leaving his listeners in silent awe and respect for the courage of soldiers and the people they were fighting for. Now retired, Mr. Poore enjoys boating, fishing, and camping. He is quite the outdoorsman. I can only imagine that his 17-year-old son is so proud of his dad for helping so many who could not help themselves.

These four men and are but a sample of the fine men and women who have given a part of their lives for their country. They deserve to be honored and respected for all they have done. When they carry the flag, guard the colors, they are shouldering the weight and responsibility of protecting our country. I thank you all for the opportunity to speak with you. I thank you for your talents, your knowledge and wisdom, your keen insight. You are a credit to this country, most of all to your family and friends. They are blessed to have you as part of their lives, to learn from you. Again, thank you.

Inspiring and humbling, numerous accounts of heroic deeds never make it to the papers. Those actions that do are only partially disclosed. Individual courage is recognized and remembered by few. Yet those who are involved in these dramatic acts of courage through war and peril must remember and never forget the difference they made in the lives of those surrounding them. After all, we never know the impact we have on our fellow man. America’s military are made up of people from all walks of life. The spirit of youth from large cities, small town, farmlands and industrial centers, your next-door neighbor, and the kid down the street are on call to be decorated for serving their country in the best possible way they know how. When you give your all, the best that you can be, no one can ask anymore. We can simply say ‘Thank you.’

“And that’s the way it is.” Walter Cronkite