BJ Remembering – Final 15-11-16
Commander Chapman,
I’m chairing a committee of old soldiers who will put on a wreath laying ceremony on Feb 6th. The event will take place on Summerall Field at Ft Myer, VA. We will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of Black Jack. BJ was the Caparisoned Horse (riderless) for JFK’s cortege. He also served as the Cap Horse in the funerals of Presidents Hoover and Johnson and also for General MacArthur. He is one of only two horses in the history of our military to be buried with full military honors. Also of note, BJ was the last Army Quartermaster issued horse to carry the official US Cavalry brand. The Caparisoned Horse is the highest military funeral honor in our country. BJ carried out that honor hundreds and hundreds of times throughout his 24 years of service in the Old Guard Caisson Section.
The ceremony will be open to the public. It should be a great occasion. We’re planning a never before attempted equestrian version of the wreath laying ceremonies conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As I know you are aware, Ft Myer and Summerall Field have a very significant historical past themselves.
The attached announcement was released on Nov. 16. Our committee would be very grateful if your team could push this information out to all your departmental posts. We think many of your members will find it of interest and may wish to attend. I will be sending you a more personal invitation in the coming days and hope that you may be able to attend.
Please contact me should you need clarification or additional information. Thank you for your help in promoting this important ceremony.
Respectfully,
Philip (Flip) Godfrey, Chair
Ceremony Organizing Committee