(This is Pg 8) Ceremonies & Celebrations |
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Army Traditions and Ceremonies go back to the first militia companies that joined General George Washington in our fight for independence. Two traditions he started endure today. In 1779, he specified Continental Blue for the uniform coat, which today is still the color of the Army Service Uniform. In 1782, he began the honor and tradition of the Military Order of the Purple Heart to acknowledge wounds received in battle fighting for our country. It is said that he cut pieces out of his cloak to give to the soldiers. Over the years many traditions and ceremonies have developed Army wide as well as unique to an individual unit. This is to enhance morale, celebrate victories and unit achievements, and honor heros of days gone by. Today, our American Army and the Austin Medical Company continue to carry on many of these traditions and ceremonies.
One Austin Med Company tradition bestows a Geneva Convention Armband upon a new soldier when he is inducted into the company. Each soldier then carries it in his ACU pants pocket to be ready at a moments notice. Stand-Up Ceremony-Jan 2009
Austin Medical Company is formally installed The Med Brigade General, Company NCOIC and CO cut the cake! Hungry troops await! Using the Commanders Sword to cut the unit birthday cake is a centuries old tradition.
Austin Med Company joins Alamo Medical Group for Annual Army "Dining-Out" on the historic Alamo grounds. We were treated to a private night tour by an Alamo Historian. Since the TxStGd roots are in the early TX militia companies, knowing that the "Gonzales Ranging Company of Mounted Volunteers" militia of 32 men rushed to the Alamo to join and die in the siege helped us appreciate the deep history and spirit of Texas Military Forces. The photo below is in the Chapel, the final defensive position of the Alamo garrison. An honor to stand on hallowed ground. |
All good ceremonies should have important speakers. Another Army Tradition: "NCOIC Change-of-Responsibility" Ceremony using a Model 1840 NCO Sword.
Austin Med Soldiers always appreciate a fine cake at Company's Annual Birthday Party. MAJ Santa Claus makes annual visit at December Planning Drill. He knows which soldiers have been naughty or nice! Nice get candy, naughty get push-ups. Ho-Ho-Hooah! You know you have the real Hooah attitude if...
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