Associated Press - July 24, 2008 7:34 PM ET TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - It has been a busy year for the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard, which has increased its public appearances by 15%. The unit's horses and soldiers are considered ambassadors of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley. The color guard participates in rodeos, county fairs and parades. This year, the unit was part of the Chicago Memorial Day Parade. The unit has 18 horses and two mules, which pull an 1871 Army escort wagon. Soldiers dress as the cavalry did during the Civil War, and the horses wear saddles dating to 1859. A tradition on post is for the unit to perform a cavalry charge at the conclusion of each change of command ceremony, which begins with a cannon blast and...
[read full story]
Your Web Site
