Located at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC, the Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital .
One of the most solemn and honorable duties of the Navy Ceremonial Guard is to conduct military funeral honors for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The Navy Ceremonial Guard serves as the funeral escort and provides casket bearers, firing party, color guard, and bugler for these services.
Among the thousands of Navy veterans who rest in Arlington National Cemetery are many who served during World War II and the Korean War. These veterans fought bravely and sacrificed greatly for our nation and our allies in two of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.
They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their service.
On August 22, 2023, the Navy Ceremonial Guard conducted military funeral honors for Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernest Barchers Jr., who served during both World War II and the Korean War.
Barchers was inurned with his wife of 72 years during the ceremony . Barchers was one of the many World War II and Korean War veterans who experienced cold injuries as a result of exposure to severe cold climates during their service.
Cold weather accounted for 16% of Army non-battle injuries and over 5,000 U.S. casualties of cold injury required evacuation from Korea during the winter of 1950-1951.
These cold-related problems may worsen as veterans grow older and develop complicating conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, which place them at higher risk for late amputations .
The Navy Ceremonial Guard honors these veterans not only by providing them with dignified funeral services, but also by raising awareness about their health issues and benefits.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) offers health care and compensation benefits for veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation or participated in radiation-risk activities during World War II or the Korean War The VA also provides an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers
The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is proud to serve as a living symbol of naval heritage and tradition. They are dedicated to honoring the legacy of those who served before them, especially the heroes of World War II and the Korean War.
They are also committed to educating the public about the history and achievements of the Navy and its veterans.
We at Americans for a Stronger Navy salute the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard for their professionalism, excellence, and devotion to duty. We also thank all World War II and Korean War veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and service to our country. You are not forgotten.
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