ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The installation marked the Army's 239th birthday with a performance by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at the post theater June 12. The Army birthday and Flag Day are celebrated June 14.
APG Senior Commander Brig. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford hosted the event, which was held indoors due to threatening skies. The annual Army Birthday Run was cancelled earlier in the day.
Before introducing the Fife and Drum Corps, Col. Gregory McClinton, APG Garrison commander, noted the installation was "honored to have the magnificent unit" as its guest.
"We are very fortunate to have them here, said Crawford. They are in high demand throughout the Army and the world."
The program included the invocation by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Juan Crockett, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command; and the singing of the national anthem by Pfc. Stacy Dobson of HHC Garrison.
Crawford said in many ways the ceremony was all about accomplishments of the past and as an Army of Professionals, Soldiers as well as civilians should never forget "with respect and admiration comes accountability for our actions."
"Our Army illuminates who we are and what we stand for," he said. "We've got to remember at all times we serve something much greater than ourselves. We serve the American people."
Crawford, assisted by CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Kennis Dent, led a cake cutting of the Army birthday cake to close the program. Participants included Dobson, James Amato, director of the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA), representing the installation tenants; Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Joseph Llanos of the U.S. Army Public Health Command and the installation's oldest Soldier; and Pvt. Daniel Brown, 22D Chemical Battalion the installation's youngest Soldier.
After the ceremony, guests took photos and chatted with The Fife and Drum Corps team members.
"I just loved them," said Donna Robinson, a Maryland Gold Star Mother from Baltimore. "We just love coming to APG."
Janice Chance, Maryland Gold Star Mother president and chaplain, said it was an honor to witness the performance.
"Watching these men and women perform makes you believe in the Soldiers who are doing everything to preserve and protect our freedom," she said. "We never forget our mission is to honor your service."
Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps
www.fifeanddrum.army.mil
The musicians of the unit recall the days of the American Revolution. They wear uniforms patterned after those worn by the musicians in George Washington's Continental Army -- circa 1784 -- which consists of black tricorn hats, white wigs, waistcoats, colonial coveralls, and distinct red regimental coats.
The drum major wears the light-infantry Cap and carries an espontoon - an 18th century weapon carried by officers - which is used to issue silent commands.
The Corps has entertained millions of people in major parades, pageants and historical celebrations throughout the nation and has served as a goodwill ambassador in Europe, Australia and Canada. Along with major sporting events including Super Bowl XVI, the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500 and the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., the Corps supports the President at all armed forces arrival ceremonies for visiting dignitaries and heads of state at the White House and has participated in every Presidential Inaugural Parade since President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
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