Mrs. Dana Richardson, spouse of Adm. John Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), along with the spouses of retired Four-Star Admirals, visited the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, April 21.

Last year, Mrs. Richardson hosted three-star and four-star Admiral spouses at the Ceremonial Guard and couldn't think of a more memorable place to visit again.

"The Ceremonial Guard did a fantastic job and represented the Navy and made us proud," said Mrs. Richardson. "The Ceremonial Guard was an easy choice as a wonderful program to present to this group."

Mrs. Richardson designs the spouse conference in conjunction with the CNO's conference with the retired Admirals. "My husband takes care of the principal side while I take care of the spouses," said Mrs. Richardson. "I couldn't think of a better way to showcase the Navy than through the Ceremonial Guard."

The spouses had the pleasure of touring the facility, watching demonstrations from each platoon, and viewing a video showcasing our mission at Arlington National Cemetery.

"Our most important ceremony is conducting funerals at Arlington National Cemetery," said Cmdr. Ronel Reyes, commanding officer, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard. "It is a very humbling honor that we do not take lightly."

Reyes expressed how grateful he was to have the spouses visit the Guard and how this visit afforded them a much greater insight into the precision, skill and dedication required to be a Guardsman.

"These are the elite Sailors of the Navy and I'm very proud of them," said Reyes.

The Ceremonial Guard is a prestigious unit and participates in ceremonies for the President, the CNO, and distinguished visitors, and conducts all Navy burial services at Arlington National Cemetery.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/usnceremonialguard or https://cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw/about/ceremonial_guard.html.

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