VOL. 11 NO. 9 July 9, 2010 - July 22, 2010
Color Guard participates in Patriot Tour Story and photos by Eric Sesit
Joint Base Charleston’s Navy Color Guard participated in the Nation of Patriot’s 2010 Patriot Tour, Friday, July 2. The Nation of Patriots is an organization whose mission is to provide financial support to families of wounded veterans who have sacrificed for all Americans and our country. They hope to raise $100,000 in 2010 and are passing an American flag through the lower 48 states during the 100 days of summer in honor of all of America’s Armed Forces, past, present and fallen and their families. The flag has been transported on the back of many motorcycles owned by HOGS (Harley Owners Groups) and began the tour May 28 in Oconomowoc, WI. From there it has been passed from one HOG chapter to the next, stopping in towns in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England before making its way down the East Coast to Charleston. Escorted by South Carolina
Highway Patrol motorcycles, and approximately 60 HOG members, the group roared into Patriot’s Point, where it was met by the Navy Color Guard. After accepting the flag from HOG member Patrick Naulti, the Color Guard proceeded to the fantail of USS Yorktown, where they hoisted the flag, before lowering it to half mast in honor of Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV). During the brief ceremony, Medal of Honor recipient Major General James Livingston, USMC (Ret.) addressed the crowd. “Those of you who served our country, and those of you family members who supported us while we served, and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice, are woven into the very fabric of that flag,” Livingston said. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Color Guard struck the colors and retraced their steps back to the pier. The flag was then passed back to the
HOG member and veteran Patrick Naulti passes the Patriot Tour flag to Joint Base Charleston’s Navy Color Guard. The flag was raised over USS Yorktown, July 2, before moving on to Savannah. The flag will finish its journey Sept. 4 back in Oconomowoc, WI.
HOG chapter as it was once again attached to the back of a Harley for
it’s 140 mile trip to Savannah. For more photos, see Page 14
IN THIS EDITION
Next issue street date
Friday, July 23
Submission deadline
Friday, July 16
NAVCONBRIG Change of Command – See page 3
From Normandy to the Pacific – See page 8
Freedom Fest...July 4th family fun – See page 10