The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard (State Defense Force) had the best of both worlds this weekend in taking part in Memorial Day ceremonies. Saturday was a beautiful, bright, and sunny day as the First Company led the Wethersfield Parade, which held a special significance as it marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. However, the weather turned on Sunday, with overcast skies and pouring rain, as the First Company marched in the Manchester Parade, dedicated to former Manchester Mayor and Korean War veteran Nathan Agostinelli, who passed away in March at the age of 93. Despite the weather, the First Company continued to honor those who have served, showcasing their dedication and resilience in both celebratory and solemn moments.
The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard (State Defense Force) also had a busy Memorial Day weekend, participating in multiple parades to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who served. It was the first outing for their new Commandant, Major Don Rosadini, who led both seasoned troops and newly minted soldiers. The weekend was an emotional one for many, as they witnessed a proverbial passing of the torch with the new Commandant at the helm. Members of the Second Company marched through downtown districts and rural stretches, receiving waves and cheers from excited children and respectful salutes from veterans and police officers alike. The parades were a moving display of unity and respect, highlighted by moments such as the immigrant family offering water to the passing troops and the solemn sound of Taps played at three separate stops.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) joined the Georgia National Guard in a Memorial Day ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery. This historic site, established in 1866, provides a resting place for nearly 10,000 Union soldiers who perished during Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. The cemetery stands as a testament to those who fought and died, featuring notable monuments such as the Wisconsin Monument and the Gold Star Mothers Monument. The GSDF’s participation in the Memorial Day ceremony at this revered site underscores their ongoing commitment to honoring the legacy and sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard had the best of both worlds this weekend in taking part in Memorial Day Ceremonies.
Saturday was a beautiful, bright & sunny day as the First Company led the Wethersfield Parade, which held a special significance as it marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
As overcast loomed and rain poured down on Sunday, the First Company marched alongside many others, as the Manchester Parade commenced and was dedicated to former Manchester Mayor and Korean War veteran Nathan Agostinelli who died in March at the age of 93.
The 2nd Co. Governor’s Foot Guard had the privilege of participating in multiple parades this Memorial Day weekend. Honoring and remembering the sacrifices of those who gave everything to preserve our freedom is a solem duty. It was the first outting of our new Commandant, Maj. Don Rosadini. Accompanied by both seasoned troops as well as newly minted soldiers the Company marched in lock step both in the sun filled parades as well as those that went off in the rain.
The weekend was best summed up by one of our members who stated… “today was a day of emotions. I witnessed a proverbial passing of the torch as a new Commandant led at the head of the formation. I watched unit members march through downtown districts and rural stretches. I saw continuous excitement in the vigorous waves and exclamations of children about the approaching “Army”. I noted as Shelton and Derby traffic duty officers sprang to attention when our American flag approached.
Throughout the morning I witnessed old men wearing hats with service designations – and some young – stand up and show reverence to Old Glory as it passed by. I saw families with very different ethnic backgrounds than mine – waving small flags and celebrating our soldiers as they marched by. In Oxford I noted the immigrant family extending bottles of waters to the passing troops. I heard the occasional chuckles as individuals may have misheard a right or left shoulder arms. I heard the solitary sounds of Taps on three separate stops – and thought of young soldiers from years ago who never returned home with me.
Today was a day of emotions. Thank you to those present this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity to join you. Thank you for remembering throughout the year why we truly wear the nation’s uniform. Thank you for honoring those no longer present but who wear it in perpetuity.”
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers participate in a Memorial Day ceremony, Marietta National Cemetery, Marietta, Ga., May 27, 2024.
The GSDF is Georgia’s State Guard. It is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
(Georgia State Defense Force photos by Unit Public Affairs Representative1st Lt. John Grim, Senoia Downtown Develop Authority/City of Senoia, Marietta Daily Journal)
PHOTOS: Marietta Observes Memorial Day
Jake Busch jbusch@mdjonline.com
May 27, 2024
MARIETTA — The annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery went as planned after storms Monday morning threatened to cancel the event.
Under partly cloudy skies and with some sun shining in, hundreds gathered to honor those Americans who lost their lives serving their country, and those no longer alive who were willing to make that sacrifice by serving.
The event, spearheaded by the National Memorial Day Association of Georgia, was the 79th Memorial Day ceremony it has hosted in Marietta.
Sources: The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard – The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard – Georgia State Defense Force – Marietta Daily Journal
