Shown here is the coat of one of the US Army Caisson platoon horses. A typical caisson team consists of at least 7 horses, 4 riders, and one serviceman holding the colors of the service the deceased served in, plus the caisson. Six of the horses are pulling the caisson, three of which have riders. The other three horses are riderless. In days past, these horses would have been outfitted with supplies, feed or were intended as replacement horses. The two horses closest to the caisson are called the wheel horses and these are the most experienced horses and act as the brakes. The front two horses are the leads and they are the 2nd most experienced. The middle two horses are the swings and they are the least experienced. The 7th horse, which has a rider, is the guide horse. A team of horses, either black or white makes up the caisson platoon. They are conducting one of the most solemn activities in the United States – carrying the remains of a US serviceman to his or her final resting place. Captured by @arlingtonmedia during coverage in Arlington National Cemetery.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/shown-here-is-the-coat-of-one-of-the-us-army-caisson-platoon-horses.-a-typical-caisson-team-consists.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingShown here is the coat of one of the US Army Caisson platoon horses. A typical caisson team consists of at least 7 horses, 4 riders, and one serviceman holding the colors of the service the deceased served in, plus the caisson. Six of the horses are pulling the caisson, three of which have riders. The other three horses are riderless. In days past, these horses would have been outfitted with supplies, feed or were intended as replacement horses. The two horses closest to the caisson are called the wheel horses and these are the most experienced horses and act as the brakes. The front two horses are the leads and they are the 2nd most experienced. The middle two horses are the swings and they are the least experienced. The 7th horse, which has a rider, is the guide horse. A team of horses, either black or white makes up the caisson platoon. They are conducting one of the most solemn activities in the United States – carrying the remains of a US serviceman to his or her final resting place. Captured by @arlingtonmedia during coverage in Arlington National Cemetery.

Shown here is the coat of one of the US Army Caisson platoon horses. A typical caisson team consists of at least 7 horses, 4 riders, and one serviceman holding the colors of the service the deceased served in, plus the caisson. Six of the horses are pulling the caisson, three of which have riders. The other three horses are riderless. In days past, these horses would have been outfitted with supplies, feed or were intended as replacement horses. The two horses closest to the caisson are called the wheel horses and these are the most experienced horses and act as the brakes. The front two horses are the leads and they are the 2nd most experienced. The middle two horses are the swings and they are the least experienced. The 7th horse, which has a rider, is the guide horse. A team of horses, either black or white makes up the caisson platoon. They are conducting one of the most solemn activities in the United States – carrying the remains of a US serviceman to his or her final resting place. Captured by @arlingtonmedia during coverage in Arlington National Cemetery.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/shown-here-is-the-coat-of-one-of-the-us-army-caisson-platoon-horses.-a-typical-caisson-team-consists-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingShown here is the coat of one of the US Army Caisson platoon horses. A typical caisson team consists of at least 7 horses, 4 riders, and one serviceman holding the colors of the service the deceased served in, plus the caisson. Six of the horses are pulling the caisson, three of which have riders. The other three horses are riderless. In days past, these horses would have been outfitted with supplies, feed or were intended as replacement horses. The two horses closest to the caisson are called the wheel horses and these are the most experienced horses and act as the brakes. The front two horses are the leads and they are the 2nd most experienced. The middle two horses are the swings and they are the least experienced. The 7th horse, which has a rider, is the guide horse. A team of horses, either black or white makes up the caisson platoon. They are conducting one of the most solemn activities in the United States – carrying the remains of a US serviceman to his or her final resting place. Captured by @arlingtonmedia during coverage in Arlington National Cemetery.

The crisp white gloves of a US Army soldier fold an American flag overtop the remains of an honored veteran in Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by the @arlingtonmedia team.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/the-crisp-white-gloves-of-a-us-army-soldier-fold-an-american-flag-overtop-the-remains-of-an-honored-.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe crisp white gloves of a US Army soldier fold an American flag overtop the remains of an honored veteran in Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by the @arlingtonmedia team.

The crisp white gloves of a US Army soldier fold an American flag overtop the remains of an honored veteran in Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by the @arlingtonmedia team.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/the-crisp-white-gloves-of-a-us-army-soldier-fold-an-american-flag-overtop-the-remains-of-an-honored-1-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe crisp white gloves of a US Army soldier fold an American flag overtop the remains of an honored veteran in Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by the @arlingtonmedia team.

The caparisoned horse is walked in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The Third Infantry Regiment United States Army, more commonly known as the Old Guard, is always responsible for the caisson. Caisson is a horse drawn wagon or cart. The two caissons used at the Cemetery are from the WWI time period circa 1918-1919. Originally the caisson was used to bring artillery onto the battlefield. Once the artillery was off-loaded, the caisson was loaded with bodies of fallen service members. The wagon is pulled by six horses, but there are only three riders. The Old Guard service members only ride the horses on the left side because the horses on right side were originally used to take supplies onto the battlefield. Officers with a rank of colonel or above in the Army and the Marine Corps may have a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available. The riderless horse follows behind the caisson and is guided by an Old Guard service member. The horse wears an empty saddle with the boots in the stirrups backwards to signify the last ride of the officer.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/the-caparisoned-horse-is-walked-in-front-of-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-at-arlington-national-ce.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe caparisoned horse is walked in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The Third Infantry Regiment United States Army, more commonly known as the Old Guard, is always responsible for the caisson. Caisson is a horse drawn wagon or cart. The two caissons used at the Cemetery are from the WWI time period circa 1918-1919. Originally the caisson was used to bring artillery onto the battlefield. Once the artillery was off-loaded, the caisson was loaded with bodies of fallen service members. The wagon is pulled by six horses, but there are only three riders. The Old Guard service members only ride the horses on the left side because the horses on right side were originally used to take supplies onto the battlefield. Officers with a rank of colonel or above in the Army and the Marine Corps may have a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available. The riderless horse follows behind the caisson and is guided by an Old Guard service member. The horse wears an empty saddle with the boots in the stirrups backwards to signify the last ride of the officer.

The caparisoned horse is walked in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The Third Infantry Regiment United States Army, more commonly known as the Old Guard, is always responsible for the caisson. Caisson is a horse drawn wagon or cart. The two caissons used at the Cemetery are from the WWI time period circa 1918-1919. Originally the caisson was used to bring artillery onto the battlefield. Once the artillery was off-loaded, the caisson was loaded with bodies of fallen service members. The wagon is pulled by six horses, but there are only three riders. The Old Guard service members only ride the horses on the left side because the horses on right side were originally used to take supplies onto the battlefield. Officers with a rank of colonel or above in the Army and the Marine Corps may have a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available. The riderless horse follows behind the caisson and is guided by an Old Guard service member. The horse wears an empty saddle with the boots in the stirrups backwards to signify the last ride of the officer.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/the-caparisoned-horse-is-walked-in-front-of-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-at-arlington-national-ce-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingThe caparisoned horse is walked in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The Third Infantry Regiment United States Army, more commonly known as the Old Guard, is always responsible for the caisson. Caisson is a horse drawn wagon or cart. The two caissons used at the Cemetery are from the WWI time period circa 1918-1919. Originally the caisson was used to bring artillery onto the battlefield. Once the artillery was off-loaded, the caisson was loaded with bodies of fallen service members. The wagon is pulled by six horses, but there are only three riders. The Old Guard service members only ride the horses on the left side because the horses on right side were originally used to take supplies onto the battlefield. Officers with a rank of colonel or above in the Army and the Marine Corps may have a caparisoned (riderless) horse, if available. The riderless horse follows behind the caisson and is guided by an Old Guard service member. The horse wears an empty saddle with the boots in the stirrups backwards to signify the last ride of the officer.

A US Navy Captain salutes the remains of an honored veteran, laid to rest in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by @arlingtonmedia

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/a-us-navy-captain-salutes-the-remains-of-an-honored-veteran-laid-to-rest-in-section-64-of-arlington-.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingA US Navy Captain salutes the remains of an honored veteran, laid to rest in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by @arlingtonmedia

A US Navy Captain salutes the remains of an honored veteran, laid to rest in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by @arlingtonmedia

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/a-us-navy-captain-salutes-the-remains-of-an-honored-veteran-laid-to-rest-in-section-64-of-arlington-1-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingA US Navy Captain salutes the remains of an honored veteran, laid to rest in Section 64 of Arlington National Cemetery. Captured by @arlingtonmedia

Music is an important part of a military funeral. In addition to creating a moment of contemplation at the memorial service, the ceremonial band provides a steady beat for the processional and a backdrop for the transfer of the casket and travel to the graveside. The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is a premier military band, and a career appointment for its musicians stationed at Fort Myer, just outside of Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to funerals, the band provides musical support for official state visits and other national events. The product must be perfect for every single mission. Each branch of the military has a premier ceremonial band to accomplish this mission for their respective funerals. Leadership within the band are involved in the musical planning for a funeral from the beginning. They receive information from about the deceased including their religious preference or alma mater and they make musical choices based on those preferences. “We have hundreds of hymns for all religious affiliations ready to be performed, or marches and other music for those who aren’t religious,” said Master Sgt. Rob Moore. Moore leads the ceremonial band as the drum major, donning a large bearskin hat to make him easier to see. Music is performed by the ceremonial band whenever the casket is transported throughout the funeral service. Once the band has led the procession to the burial site, the casket team holds the flag over the gravesite waiting to be folded. Moore said his job gives him a sense of purpose as a musician. “What we do helps to mark this moment in their [the family] lives, and nothing can do that quite like music,” he said.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/music-is-an-important-part-of-a-military-funeral.-in-addition-to-creating-a-moment-of-contemplation-.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingMusic is an important part of a military funeral. In addition to creating a moment of contemplation at the memorial service, the ceremonial band provides a steady beat for the processional and a backdrop for the transfer of the casket and travel to the graveside. The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is a premier military band, and a career appointment for its musicians stationed at Fort Myer, just outside of Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to funerals, the band provides musical support for official state visits and other national events. The product must be perfect for every single mission. Each branch of the military has a premier ceremonial band to accomplish this mission for their respective funerals. Leadership within the band are involved in the musical planning for a funeral from the beginning. They receive information from about the deceased including their religious preference or alma mater and they make musical choices based on those preferences. “We have hundreds of hymns for all religious affiliations ready to be performed, or marches and other music for those who aren’t religious,” said Master Sgt. Rob Moore. Moore leads the ceremonial band as the drum major, donning a large bearskin hat to make him easier to see. Music is performed by the ceremonial band whenever the casket is transported throughout the funeral service. Once the band has led the procession to the burial site, the casket team holds the flag over the gravesite waiting to be folded. Moore said his job gives him a sense of purpose as a musician. “What we do helps to mark this moment in their [the family] lives, and nothing can do that quite like music,” he said.

Music is an important part of a military funeral. In addition to creating a moment of contemplation at the memorial service, the ceremonial band provides a steady beat for the processional and a backdrop for the transfer of the casket and travel to the graveside. The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is a premier military band, and a career appointment for its musicians stationed at Fort Myer, just outside of Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to funerals, the band provides musical support for official state visits and other national events. The product must be perfect for every single mission. Each branch of the military has a premier ceremonial band to accomplish this mission for their respective funerals. Leadership within the band are involved in the musical planning for a funeral from the beginning. They receive information from about the deceased including their religious preference or alma mater and they make musical choices based on those preferences. “We have hundreds of hymns for all religious affiliations ready to be performed, or marches and other music for those who aren’t religious,” said Master Sgt. Rob Moore. Moore leads the ceremonial band as the drum major, donning a large bearskin hat to make him easier to see. Music is performed by the ceremonial band whenever the casket is transported throughout the funeral service. Once the band has led the procession to the burial site, the casket team holds the flag over the gravesite waiting to be folded. Moore said his job gives him a sense of purpose as a musician. “What we do helps to mark this moment in their [the family] lives, and nothing can do that quite like music,” he said.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/music-is-an-important-part-of-a-military-funeral.-in-addition-to-creating-a-moment-of-contemplation-1-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingMusic is an important part of a military funeral. In addition to creating a moment of contemplation at the memorial service, the ceremonial band provides a steady beat for the processional and a backdrop for the transfer of the casket and travel to the graveside. The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” is a premier military band, and a career appointment for its musicians stationed at Fort Myer, just outside of Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to funerals, the band provides musical support for official state visits and other national events. The product must be perfect for every single mission. Each branch of the military has a premier ceremonial band to accomplish this mission for their respective funerals. Leadership within the band are involved in the musical planning for a funeral from the beginning. They receive information from about the deceased including their religious preference or alma mater and they make musical choices based on those preferences. “We have hundreds of hymns for all religious affiliations ready to be performed, or marches and other music for those who aren’t religious,” said Master Sgt. Rob Moore. Moore leads the ceremonial band as the drum major, donning a large bearskin hat to make him easier to see. Music is performed by the ceremonial band whenever the casket is transported throughout the funeral service. Once the band has led the procession to the burial site, the casket team holds the flag over the gravesite waiting to be folded. Moore said his job gives him a sense of purpose as a musician. “What we do helps to mark this moment in their [the family] lives, and nothing can do that quite like music,” he said.