My bride Karen asked that we attend the final weekly flag retreat ceremony, put on by a group of United States Civil War Reinactors every Tuesday evening during the summer months at Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb.
I’ve never attended this ceremony.
It was interesting, respectful, moving and well done.
As a bonus, there was a visiting Civil War reinactor band giving a concert prior and post flag lowering ceremony.
In this scene, the flag is presented, folded into a triangular shape, to the company commander, who then presents it to a guest chosen from those putting their name in the hat.
The buglers blow various songs including Taps, and Retreat. The drummers count out marching cadence and other music for the company.
The group did a gun salute - three sets of group shots (more than 21 from my counting). The drums counted the Ready, Set, Fire, which I had never heard done before - no verbal commands. Interesting.
It was 94 degrees Fahrenheit and quite humid. I was soaked by the time the 45 minutes were up. Karen assisted with holding lenses as I changed out. Such a sweetie. =)
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