WHO & WHAT: Col. Johnny K. Davis, commander, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will host a memorial and wreath laying ceremony in honor of Black Jack's military career.
Known as President John F. Kennedy's caparisoned (rideless) horse, Black Jack, was the last U.S Army Quartermaster issued horse. He supported over 3,000 Armed Forces Full Honor Funerals including the state funerals of Presidents Herbert Hoover, John. F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
Black Jack retired from The Old Guard, June 1, 1973 after 24 years of service.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va.
EVENT DETAILS: The ceremony will feature Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and horses from the Old Guard Caisson Platoon. This year's ceremony marks the 40th anniversary of Black Jack's death. This event is free and open to the public.
REGISTRATION: Media interested in covering this event must register by 12 p.m., Friday, Feb 5. To be placed on the credentialed list, send an email to russell.h.fox.mil@mail.mil with the following information: your name, email address, media organization and contact phone number.
ALL Media MUST report to Hatfield Gate (main gate) at JBM-HH no later than 10 a.m. to be checked in and escorted to Summerall Field.
CONTACT: 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
Maj. Russ Fox, Public Affairs Officer
703-696-5210; or Russell.h.fox.mil@mail.mil
EDITOR'S NOTE:
• Black Jack is one of only two horses in our Nation's history to be buried with full military honors. The horse known as 'Comanche,' being the only living representative of the bloody tragedy of the Little Big Horn, was the first horse to receive the honor.
• Black Jack became well known as the caparisoned horse during the State Funeral in honor of President John F. Kennedy, by wearing a cavalry saddle, sword and reversed boots in the stirrups symbolizing the fallen leader.
• Black Jack was named in honor of Gen. John J. Pershing. Gen. Pershing was the general for the United States Army who led the American Expeditionary Forces to victory over Germany in World War I
Related Documents:
Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony for 'Black Jack' [PDF]
Related Links:
Learn more about the U.S. Army Military District of Washington
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