Grace wrote this this morning –<\/p>\n
By grace<\/strong> on Feb 13, 2009<\/a><\/p>\nkevin was very happy when he got home last night. i\u2019m encouraging him to write about his experience in his own words. right now he\u2019s sitting around reading a catalog, but maybe later he\u2019ll do it\u2026i grilled him about ever last detail last night, but hopefully he\u2019ll want to write it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nby Kevin:<\/p>\nSo I finally put down my Midway catalog and felt motivated enough to sit at the computer. Here is the “play-by-play” from the vantage point of a private from the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Reactivated).<\/p>\nGrace and her brother, David and I climbed into the mini-van with the tinted “surveillence dark” windows about 4:30 p.m. and with Grace at the wheel, headed towards the Crowne Plaza. We turned north on Dirksen from Stevenson Drive and David commented on the police roadblock about a block away.\u00a0 A number of cars, a van, and a bus were funneled into two lanes with uniformed police officers talking to the vehicle occupants. Civilian workers were then getting id’s from the police screened persons and the names were checked with the master list of who was allowed to pass. we were in the left screening lane, and a Mercedes to our right had two gentlemen in tuxes and two women in evening dresses. Quite fancy. I was dressed in my frock coat, and had all my leather already on. We were not allowed to wear our bayonets\/scabbards, so it was easy to sit in the van with everything (allowed) on my personage.<\/p>\nA Springfield PO asked if we were headed to the Crowne, and I leaned over and told him I was with the 114th and in the flag detail. I figured he’d have me get out and walk to the Crowne, and make Grace turn around and leave since she and David were not on the “approved” list. He was in a good mood and cheerfully told us we could proceed to the main parking lot for the drop-off. COOL. One of the young civilian workers came up to us,\u00a0 saw me in my Union blues and exclaimed, “Oh, you’re the entertainment!”<\/p>\nWe were eventually directed to the SOS parking lot where the 114th was mustering, so I jumped out of the van with a kiss from my wife on my lips and a handshake from my bro-in-law, grabbed my properly-cased-musket (I brought my Enfield which is prettier than my Springfield, though a tad heavier).\u00a0 We milled around in the parking lot for about 10 minutes before a bus arrived to shuttle us to the Crowne.\u00a0 The Captain and the Colonel were still at their conveyences getting the final details of their uniforms perfect, so the driver drove to pick them up.\u00a0 Humph! We grunts in the infantry do ALL the walking don’t you know!<\/p>\nThe bus drove into the Crowne lot, and another Springfield PO asked the driver who was on board. “Oh, the guys with the guns, of course!” The PO’s face was a hoot to watch as he pondered just exactly what he was dealing with.\u00a0 Of course, the 114th at that point was hooting and laughing and the driver clarified, “The Civil War guys, the flag detail!”\u00a0 We disembarked then, and were directed to put zip-ties around the hammers of the muskets.\u00a0 Safety precaution, don’t you know!\u00a0 We were all directed for the past couple weeks to have NO percussion caps in the cap pouch or on our person, NO powder charges or holding tins in our cartridge boxes, to shake all our containers out to dislodge any last speck of powder, and to REMOVE the cones from the breeches of our muskets.<\/p>\nWe all complied with a minimum amount of grumbling, for at least we were going to conduct the ceremony with our muskets in hand.\u00a0 I understand the needs and processes of the Secret Servive (went through the SS Protective Detail training back in the ’90’s when I was assigned to Gov. Edgar’s detail).\u00a0 But from the perspective of a group of committed citizens, patriots, and those who proudly wear the uniform of the Union, it was just a little on the OVER-zealous. Removing the cone is the same as removing the firing pin of a modern firearm. Oh well…<\/p>\nOnce all were zip-stripped and we fell into ranks, we marched inside where a SS agent lead us upstairs, past the magnamometer station, into the SS agents’ holding room. We were directed to lean our muskets agains the wall, then back outside and got into the line going through the magnamometer.\u00a0 Well, we all have at least 2 dozen metal buttons on our uniforms (and maybe shirts and drawers) and most of us have metal heel plates on our Brogans, and some our forage hats or kepis have the the large metal horn insignia (denotes infantry).\u00a0 Plus, big netal uniform metal belt buckles and insignias on our cartridge boxes. So, guess what? We all SET-OFF the magnamometer!<\/p>\nThe SS officer manning the portal knew this was coming and had his hand wand at the ready. He was fast, thorough and professional.\u00a0 And in quite a good mood!\u00a0 So, while we were passing\u00a0 through the portal, the SS bomb-sniffer dog was going over our muskets.\u00a0 When we retireved our muskets, some of the guys noticed one (or TWO, right Mick?!) extra zip-ties on the lock\/hammer. So, back into the hallway outside the ballroom, and we were originally placed in ranks at “In Place Rest”.<\/p>\nOf course, we still had an hour and a half or so before we were to go inside, so the First Sergeant released us from ranks and asked us to just sort of mill around the area.\u00a0 About this time I spotted my mother-in-law, Bette Jo. She was working doing setup for the event.\u00a0 She is a volunteer at the Abe Lincoln Presidential Museum, and this was a special honor for the volunteers.\u00a0 She got there about 12:30 and they were all there until it was all over just after 8 pm.\u00a0 Seems no one made provision to FEED the volunteers. ah well… Anyway, I asked Bette Jo where water and toilets were. This gave me vital information that I was able to pass along and make BIG POINTS with some of the guys.<\/p>\nI was “milling around” our area and saw some of the guys from the Gov’s security detail, and surmised the Gov would probably arrive either with or about the same time as the President.\u00a0 I knew I’d have an idea when they were close by watching the demeanor\/activity of the detail (both SS and ISP).\u00a0 Chatted with a couple of the detail guys I know and also learned that once AF One landed, everyone on premise was “locked in” until the Pres left the building.\u00a0 Close to 6:30, the SS shut-off the access areas to the ballroom area and disassembled the magnamometers. That meant AF One was rubber on the tarmac. And we were there for the duration.\u00a0 There was a fairly good crowd of “other” hotel guests in the hallway and bar on the otherside of the velvet ropes who had gathered hoping to see the Pres. The SS Agent-In-Charge finally got upset with the activity or demenaor of the crowd and ordered them dispatched and disassembled.\u00a0 Swift and decisive.<\/p>\nAs all this disassembly was ongoing, we were called into ranks and assigned to three different details – the two Door Openers\/Holders (Nice job Ricky and Ron!), the Flag Detail (this would be flag bearers, all the officers\/ncos, and 8 grunts.\u00a0 I was one of the grunts!), and the aisle detail (these guys line both sides of the main aisle).\u00a0 The Captain called us to attention and marched us single file to just outside the entry doors of the ballroom. More waiting, but the activity and “buzzing” increased, and the security details went into “receive mode” and I know the prinicpals were in the building.\u00a0 Not long after that, the band inside struck up “Hail to the Chief” and the crowd inside clapped and cheered with much vim, vigor, and vitality.\u00a0 The MC at the mike then made a couple remarks. The captain called us to attention, “right face”, “column of file to the left”,\u00a0 “forward march”, the bugles and drums struck up, and in we started.<\/p>\nEven before I got into the room, I felt the heat! It must have been at least 90 in the room!\u00a0 Gotta love a full-wool uniform! And the CROWD! The aisle way was barely wide enough for a skinny guy like me to pass through, let alone some of our more “magestic” members. People were facing us taking pictures of the detail marching in, people were facing forward taking pictures of the President standing in front of the huge Lincoln background picture.\u00a0 I could not see anyone on the dignitaries platform as I had two full sized flags about 15 feet in front of me leading our way in, plus I was watching the back and feet of the Corporal in front of me in order to stay in step (nice work Bob!!).<\/p>\nThe flags got to the front of the room, directly infront of the platform, halted and did an “about-face”. Two officers turned left and two to the right and took up positions flanking the flags. My corporal turned left, and I followed, with two other privates following me, the First Sergaeant called us to a halt.\u00a0 Then “left face” to face the crowd.\u00a0 I could barely hear the barked commands because the crowd was so loud!!!<\/p>\nThen, the crowd quieted as the MC announced the Pledge of Alligence.\u00a0 “Present Arms”, and we are locked into place honoring the flag.\u00a0 Pledge ends, the captain calls us to “Shoulder Arms”. The MC announces the singing of the National Anthem, lead by a choir.\u00a0 “Present Arms” and again we are locked in.\u00a0 A very proud and moving experience. The room was packed (600 people!!) and faces were radiant and excited and true emotion was backing the words being sung by everyone I could see.<\/p>\nSong done, the crowd started clapping and talking and some cheering and I couldn’t hear the command to “Should Arms”, but the corporal repeated it for us close to him, then a left face, and right there, to my left, about 15 feet away was the President of the United States, standing proudly, with a smile on his face, watching the flag bearers of the 114th as the flags started back down the aisle with the drums giving us a tempo for our marching.\u00a0 Right out the door until everyone of us was out of the room and in line.\u00a0 “Detail, Halt”. “Front”.\u00a0 “Order Arms”.\u00a0 The Colonel told us we did great. Thanked us. and Directed us downstairs to get our musket cases.<\/p>\nWe trooped down the moving stairs, got our cases, and stood around wondering when the shuttle bus would collect us.\u00a0 I mentioned we were locked-in until the Pres left the building, and gave them the ETA on that (about 30 minutes at that point).\u00a0 A buddy of mine who is sergeant major of our drum\/bugle detail said, if he was going to have to wait, we might as well wait in the bar. I agreed, we looked at the Colonel, he said we were now on our time, so we headed back up the moving stairs into bar.\u00a0 And it turns out there was enough time for two Guinness draughts, the second round bought by our sergeant (thank you JIM!!). We showed our appreciation for that with three cheers! (hip-hip-hooray!!!).<\/p>\nAnd the next thing we knew, the President was leaving the building, we headed downstairs, I caught up with Bette Jo and bummed a ride with her, the SS allowed the police to open the doors, and out the door we went, leaving history behind. And the proverbial “good time was had by all…”<\/p>\nmy apologies if I have been much too verbose.<\/p>\npost historical kevin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Grace wrote this this morning – By grace on Feb 13, 2009 kevin was very happy when he got home last night. i\u2019m encouraging him to write about his experience in his own words. right now he\u2019s sitting around reading a catalog, but maybe later he\u2019ll do it\u2026i grilled him about ever last detail last […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6JLYy-uf","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1875"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1875"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1875"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1875"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
kevin was very happy when he got home last night. i\u2019m encouraging him to write about his experience in his own words. right now he\u2019s sitting around reading a catalog, but maybe later he\u2019ll do it\u2026i grilled him about ever last detail last night, but hopefully he\u2019ll want to write it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
by Kevin:<\/p>\n
So I finally put down my Midway catalog and felt motivated enough to sit at the computer. Here is the “play-by-play” from the vantage point of a private from the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Reactivated).<\/p>\n
Grace and her brother, David and I climbed into the mini-van with the tinted “surveillence dark” windows about 4:30 p.m. and with Grace at the wheel, headed towards the Crowne Plaza. We turned north on Dirksen from Stevenson Drive and David commented on the police roadblock about a block away.\u00a0 A number of cars, a van, and a bus were funneled into two lanes with uniformed police officers talking to the vehicle occupants. Civilian workers were then getting id’s from the police screened persons and the names were checked with the master list of who was allowed to pass. we were in the left screening lane, and a Mercedes to our right had two gentlemen in tuxes and two women in evening dresses. Quite fancy. I was dressed in my frock coat, and had all my leather already on. We were not allowed to wear our bayonets\/scabbards, so it was easy to sit in the van with everything (allowed) on my personage.<\/p>\n
A Springfield PO asked if we were headed to the Crowne, and I leaned over and told him I was with the 114th and in the flag detail. I figured he’d have me get out and walk to the Crowne, and make Grace turn around and leave since she and David were not on the “approved” list. He was in a good mood and cheerfully told us we could proceed to the main parking lot for the drop-off. COOL. One of the young civilian workers came up to us,\u00a0 saw me in my Union blues and exclaimed, “Oh, you’re the entertainment!”<\/p>\n
We were eventually directed to the SOS parking lot where the 114th was mustering, so I jumped out of the van with a kiss from my wife on my lips and a handshake from my bro-in-law, grabbed my properly-cased-musket (I brought my Enfield which is prettier than my Springfield, though a tad heavier).\u00a0 We milled around in the parking lot for about 10 minutes before a bus arrived to shuttle us to the Crowne.\u00a0 The Captain and the Colonel were still at their conveyences getting the final details of their uniforms perfect, so the driver drove to pick them up.\u00a0 Humph! We grunts in the infantry do ALL the walking don’t you know!<\/p>\n
The bus drove into the Crowne lot, and another Springfield PO asked the driver who was on board. “Oh, the guys with the guns, of course!” The PO’s face was a hoot to watch as he pondered just exactly what he was dealing with.\u00a0 Of course, the 114th at that point was hooting and laughing and the driver clarified, “The Civil War guys, the flag detail!”\u00a0 We disembarked then, and were directed to put zip-ties around the hammers of the muskets.\u00a0 Safety precaution, don’t you know!\u00a0 We were all directed for the past couple weeks to have NO percussion caps in the cap pouch or on our person, NO powder charges or holding tins in our cartridge boxes, to shake all our containers out to dislodge any last speck of powder, and to REMOVE the cones from the breeches of our muskets.<\/p>\n
We all complied with a minimum amount of grumbling, for at least we were going to conduct the ceremony with our muskets in hand.\u00a0 I understand the needs and processes of the Secret Servive (went through the SS Protective Detail training back in the ’90’s when I was assigned to Gov. Edgar’s detail).\u00a0 But from the perspective of a group of committed citizens, patriots, and those who proudly wear the uniform of the Union, it was just a little on the OVER-zealous. Removing the cone is the same as removing the firing pin of a modern firearm. Oh well…<\/p>\n
Once all were zip-stripped and we fell into ranks, we marched inside where a SS agent lead us upstairs, past the magnamometer station, into the SS agents’ holding room. We were directed to lean our muskets agains the wall, then back outside and got into the line going through the magnamometer.\u00a0 Well, we all have at least 2 dozen metal buttons on our uniforms (and maybe shirts and drawers) and most of us have metal heel plates on our Brogans, and some our forage hats or kepis have the the large metal horn insignia (denotes infantry).\u00a0 Plus, big netal uniform metal belt buckles and insignias on our cartridge boxes. So, guess what? We all SET-OFF the magnamometer!<\/p>\n
The SS officer manning the portal knew this was coming and had his hand wand at the ready. He was fast, thorough and professional.\u00a0 And in quite a good mood!\u00a0 So, while we were passing\u00a0 through the portal, the SS bomb-sniffer dog was going over our muskets.\u00a0 When we retireved our muskets, some of the guys noticed one (or TWO, right Mick?!) extra zip-ties on the lock\/hammer. So, back into the hallway outside the ballroom, and we were originally placed in ranks at “In Place Rest”.<\/p>\n
Of course, we still had an hour and a half or so before we were to go inside, so the First Sergeant released us from ranks and asked us to just sort of mill around the area.\u00a0 About this time I spotted my mother-in-law, Bette Jo. She was working doing setup for the event.\u00a0 She is a volunteer at the Abe Lincoln Presidential Museum, and this was a special honor for the volunteers.\u00a0 She got there about 12:30 and they were all there until it was all over just after 8 pm.\u00a0 Seems no one made provision to FEED the volunteers. ah well… Anyway, I asked Bette Jo where water and toilets were. This gave me vital information that I was able to pass along and make BIG POINTS with some of the guys.<\/p>\n
I was “milling around” our area and saw some of the guys from the Gov’s security detail, and surmised the Gov would probably arrive either with or about the same time as the President.\u00a0 I knew I’d have an idea when they were close by watching the demeanor\/activity of the detail (both SS and ISP).\u00a0 Chatted with a couple of the detail guys I know and also learned that once AF One landed, everyone on premise was “locked in” until the Pres left the building.\u00a0 Close to 6:30, the SS shut-off the access areas to the ballroom area and disassembled the magnamometers. That meant AF One was rubber on the tarmac. And we were there for the duration.\u00a0 There was a fairly good crowd of “other” hotel guests in the hallway and bar on the otherside of the velvet ropes who had gathered hoping to see the Pres. The SS Agent-In-Charge finally got upset with the activity or demenaor of the crowd and ordered them dispatched and disassembled.\u00a0 Swift and decisive.<\/p>\n
As all this disassembly was ongoing, we were called into ranks and assigned to three different details – the two Door Openers\/Holders (Nice job Ricky and Ron!), the Flag Detail (this would be flag bearers, all the officers\/ncos, and 8 grunts.\u00a0 I was one of the grunts!), and the aisle detail (these guys line both sides of the main aisle).\u00a0 The Captain called us to attention and marched us single file to just outside the entry doors of the ballroom. More waiting, but the activity and “buzzing” increased, and the security details went into “receive mode” and I know the prinicpals were in the building.\u00a0 Not long after that, the band inside struck up “Hail to the Chief” and the crowd inside clapped and cheered with much vim, vigor, and vitality.\u00a0 The MC at the mike then made a couple remarks. The captain called us to attention, “right face”, “column of file to the left”,\u00a0 “forward march”, the bugles and drums struck up, and in we started.<\/p>\n
Even before I got into the room, I felt the heat! It must have been at least 90 in the room!\u00a0 Gotta love a full-wool uniform! And the CROWD! The aisle way was barely wide enough for a skinny guy like me to pass through, let alone some of our more “magestic” members. People were facing us taking pictures of the detail marching in, people were facing forward taking pictures of the President standing in front of the huge Lincoln background picture.\u00a0 I could not see anyone on the dignitaries platform as I had two full sized flags about 15 feet in front of me leading our way in, plus I was watching the back and feet of the Corporal in front of me in order to stay in step (nice work Bob!!).<\/p>\n
The flags got to the front of the room, directly infront of the platform, halted and did an “about-face”. Two officers turned left and two to the right and took up positions flanking the flags. My corporal turned left, and I followed, with two other privates following me, the First Sergaeant called us to a halt.\u00a0 Then “left face” to face the crowd.\u00a0 I could barely hear the barked commands because the crowd was so loud!!!<\/p>\n
Then, the crowd quieted as the MC announced the Pledge of Alligence.\u00a0 “Present Arms”, and we are locked into place honoring the flag.\u00a0 Pledge ends, the captain calls us to “Shoulder Arms”. The MC announces the singing of the National Anthem, lead by a choir.\u00a0 “Present Arms” and again we are locked in.\u00a0 A very proud and moving experience. The room was packed (600 people!!) and faces were radiant and excited and true emotion was backing the words being sung by everyone I could see.<\/p>\n
Song done, the crowd started clapping and talking and some cheering and I couldn’t hear the command to “Should Arms”, but the corporal repeated it for us close to him, then a left face, and right there, to my left, about 15 feet away was the President of the United States, standing proudly, with a smile on his face, watching the flag bearers of the 114th as the flags started back down the aisle with the drums giving us a tempo for our marching.\u00a0 Right out the door until everyone of us was out of the room and in line.\u00a0 “Detail, Halt”. “Front”.\u00a0 “Order Arms”.\u00a0 The Colonel told us we did great. Thanked us. and Directed us downstairs to get our musket cases.<\/p>\n
We trooped down the moving stairs, got our cases, and stood around wondering when the shuttle bus would collect us.\u00a0 I mentioned we were locked-in until the Pres left the building, and gave them the ETA on that (about 30 minutes at that point).\u00a0 A buddy of mine who is sergeant major of our drum\/bugle detail said, if he was going to have to wait, we might as well wait in the bar. I agreed, we looked at the Colonel, he said we were now on our time, so we headed back up the moving stairs into bar.\u00a0 And it turns out there was enough time for two Guinness draughts, the second round bought by our sergeant (thank you JIM!!). We showed our appreciation for that with three cheers! (hip-hip-hooray!!!).<\/p>\n
And the next thing we knew, the President was leaving the building, we headed downstairs, I caught up with Bette Jo and bummed a ride with her, the SS allowed the police to open the doors, and out the door we went, leaving history behind. And the proverbial “good time was had by all…”<\/p>\n
my apologies if I have been much too verbose.<\/p>\n
post historical kevin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Grace wrote this this morning – By grace on Feb 13, 2009 kevin was very happy when he got home last night. i\u2019m encouraging him to write about his experience in his own words. right now he\u2019s sitting around reading a catalog, but maybe later he\u2019ll do it\u2026i grilled him about ever last detail last […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6JLYy-uf","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1875"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1875"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1875"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1875"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
By grace<\/strong> on Feb 13, 2009<\/a><\/p>\n
kevin was very happy when he got home last night. i\u2019m encouraging him to write about his experience in his own words. right now he\u2019s sitting around reading a catalog, but maybe later he\u2019ll do it\u2026i grilled him about ever last detail last night, but hopefully he\u2019ll want to write it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
by Kevin:<\/p>\n
So I finally put down my Midway catalog and felt motivated enough to sit at the computer. Here is the “play-by-play” from the vantage point of a private from the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Reactivated).<\/p>\n
Grace and her brother, David and I climbed into the mini-van with the tinted “surveillence dark” windows about 4:30 p.m. and with Grace at the wheel, headed towards the Crowne Plaza. We turned north on Dirksen from Stevenson Drive and David commented on the police roadblock about a block away.\u00a0 A number of cars, a van, and a bus were funneled into two lanes with uniformed police officers talking to the vehicle occupants. Civilian workers were then getting id’s from the police screened persons and the names were checked with the master list of who was allowed to pass. we were in the left screening lane, and a Mercedes to our right had two gentlemen in tuxes and two women in evening dresses. Quite fancy. I was dressed in my frock coat, and had all my leather already on. We were not allowed to wear our bayonets\/scabbards, so it was easy to sit in the van with everything (allowed) on my personage.<\/p>\n
A Springfield PO asked if we were headed to the Crowne, and I leaned over and told him I was with the 114th and in the flag detail. I figured he’d have me get out and walk to the Crowne, and make Grace turn around and leave since she and David were not on the “approved” list. He was in a good mood and cheerfully told us we could proceed to the main parking lot for the drop-off. COOL. One of the young civilian workers came up to us,\u00a0 saw me in my Union blues and exclaimed, “Oh, you’re the entertainment!”<\/p>\n
We were eventually directed to the SOS parking lot where the 114th was mustering, so I jumped out of the van with a kiss from my wife on my lips and a handshake from my bro-in-law, grabbed my properly-cased-musket (I brought my Enfield which is prettier than my Springfield, though a tad heavier).\u00a0 We milled around in the parking lot for about 10 minutes before a bus arrived to shuttle us to the Crowne.\u00a0 The Captain and the Colonel were still at their conveyences getting the final details of their uniforms perfect, so the driver drove to pick them up.\u00a0 Humph! We grunts in the infantry do ALL the walking don’t you know!<\/p>\n
The bus drove into the Crowne lot, and another Springfield PO asked the driver who was on board. “Oh, the guys with the guns, of course!” The PO’s face was a hoot to watch as he pondered just exactly what he was dealing with.\u00a0 Of course, the 114th at that point was hooting and laughing and the driver clarified, “The Civil War guys, the flag detail!”\u00a0 We disembarked then, and were directed to put zip-ties around the hammers of the muskets.\u00a0 Safety precaution, don’t you know!\u00a0 We were all directed for the past couple weeks to have NO percussion caps in the cap pouch or on our person, NO powder charges or holding tins in our cartridge boxes, to shake all our containers out to dislodge any last speck of powder, and to REMOVE the cones from the breeches of our muskets.<\/p>\n
We all complied with a minimum amount of grumbling, for at least we were going to conduct the ceremony with our muskets in hand.\u00a0 I understand the needs and processes of the Secret Servive (went through the SS Protective Detail training back in the ’90’s when I was assigned to Gov. Edgar’s detail).\u00a0 But from the perspective of a group of committed citizens, patriots, and those who proudly wear the uniform of the Union, it was just a little on the OVER-zealous. Removing the cone is the same as removing the firing pin of a modern firearm. Oh well…<\/p>\n
Once all were zip-stripped and we fell into ranks, we marched inside where a SS agent lead us upstairs, past the magnamometer station, into the SS agents’ holding room. We were directed to lean our muskets agains the wall, then back outside and got into the line going through the magnamometer.\u00a0 Well, we all have at least 2 dozen metal buttons on our uniforms (and maybe shirts and drawers) and most of us have metal heel plates on our Brogans, and some our forage hats or kepis have the the large metal horn insignia (denotes infantry).\u00a0 Plus, big netal uniform metal belt buckles and insignias on our cartridge boxes. So, guess what? We all SET-OFF the magnamometer!<\/p>\n
The SS officer manning the portal knew this was coming and had his hand wand at the ready. He was fast, thorough and professional.\u00a0 And in quite a good mood!\u00a0 So, while we were passing\u00a0 through the portal, the SS bomb-sniffer dog was going over our muskets.\u00a0 When we retireved our muskets, some of the guys noticed one (or TWO, right Mick?!) extra zip-ties on the lock\/hammer. So, back into the hallway outside the ballroom, and we were originally placed in ranks at “In Place Rest”.<\/p>\n
Of course, we still had an hour and a half or so before we were to go inside, so the First Sergeant released us from ranks and asked us to just sort of mill around the area.\u00a0 About this time I spotted my mother-in-law, Bette Jo. She was working doing setup for the event.\u00a0 She is a volunteer at the Abe Lincoln Presidential Museum, and this was a special honor for the volunteers.\u00a0 She got there about 12:30 and they were all there until it was all over just after 8 pm.\u00a0 Seems no one made provision to FEED the volunteers. ah well… Anyway, I asked Bette Jo where water and toilets were. This gave me vital information that I was able to pass along and make BIG POINTS with some of the guys.<\/p>\n
I was “milling around” our area and saw some of the guys from the Gov’s security detail, and surmised the Gov would probably arrive either with or about the same time as the President.\u00a0 I knew I’d have an idea when they were close by watching the demeanor\/activity of the detail (both SS and ISP).\u00a0 Chatted with a couple of the detail guys I know and also learned that once AF One landed, everyone on premise was “locked in” until the Pres left the building.\u00a0 Close to 6:30, the SS shut-off the access areas to the ballroom area and disassembled the magnamometers. That meant AF One was rubber on the tarmac. And we were there for the duration.\u00a0 There was a fairly good crowd of “other” hotel guests in the hallway and bar on the otherside of the velvet ropes who had gathered hoping to see the Pres. The SS Agent-In-Charge finally got upset with the activity or demenaor of the crowd and ordered them dispatched and disassembled.\u00a0 Swift and decisive.<\/p>\n
As all this disassembly was ongoing, we were called into ranks and assigned to three different details – the two Door Openers\/Holders (Nice job Ricky and Ron!), the Flag Detail (this would be flag bearers, all the officers\/ncos, and 8 grunts.\u00a0 I was one of the grunts!), and the aisle detail (these guys line both sides of the main aisle).\u00a0 The Captain called us to attention and marched us single file to just outside the entry doors of the ballroom. More waiting, but the activity and “buzzing” increased, and the security details went into “receive mode” and I know the prinicpals were in the building.\u00a0 Not long after that, the band inside struck up “Hail to the Chief” and the crowd inside clapped and cheered with much vim, vigor, and vitality.\u00a0 The MC at the mike then made a couple remarks. The captain called us to attention, “right face”, “column of file to the left”,\u00a0 “forward march”, the bugles and drums struck up, and in we started.<\/p>\n
Even before I got into the room, I felt the heat! It must have been at least 90 in the room!\u00a0 Gotta love a full-wool uniform! And the CROWD! The aisle way was barely wide enough for a skinny guy like me to pass through, let alone some of our more “magestic” members. People were facing us taking pictures of the detail marching in, people were facing forward taking pictures of the President standing in front of the huge Lincoln background picture.\u00a0 I could not see anyone on the dignitaries platform as I had two full sized flags about 15 feet in front of me leading our way in, plus I was watching the back and feet of the Corporal in front of me in order to stay in step (nice work Bob!!).<\/p>\n
The flags got to the front of the room, directly infront of the platform, halted and did an “about-face”. Two officers turned left and two to the right and took up positions flanking the flags. My corporal turned left, and I followed, with two other privates following me, the First Sergaeant called us to a halt.\u00a0 Then “left face” to face the crowd.\u00a0 I could barely hear the barked commands because the crowd was so loud!!!<\/p>\n
Then, the crowd quieted as the MC announced the Pledge of Alligence.\u00a0 “Present Arms”, and we are locked into place honoring the flag.\u00a0 Pledge ends, the captain calls us to “Shoulder Arms”. The MC announces the singing of the National Anthem, lead by a choir.\u00a0 “Present Arms” and again we are locked in.\u00a0 A very proud and moving experience. The room was packed (600 people!!) and faces were radiant and excited and true emotion was backing the words being sung by everyone I could see.<\/p>\n
Song done, the crowd started clapping and talking and some cheering and I couldn’t hear the command to “Should Arms”, but the corporal repeated it for us close to him, then a left face, and right there, to my left, about 15 feet away was the President of the United States, standing proudly, with a smile on his face, watching the flag bearers of the 114th as the flags started back down the aisle with the drums giving us a tempo for our marching.\u00a0 Right out the door until everyone of us was out of the room and in line.\u00a0 “Detail, Halt”. “Front”.\u00a0 “Order Arms”.\u00a0 The Colonel told us we did great. Thanked us. and Directed us downstairs to get our musket cases.<\/p>\n
We trooped down the moving stairs, got our cases, and stood around wondering when the shuttle bus would collect us.\u00a0 I mentioned we were locked-in until the Pres left the building, and gave them the ETA on that (about 30 minutes at that point).\u00a0 A buddy of mine who is sergeant major of our drum\/bugle detail said, if he was going to have to wait, we might as well wait in the bar. I agreed, we looked at the Colonel, he said we were now on our time, so we headed back up the moving stairs into bar.\u00a0 And it turns out there was enough time for two Guinness draughts, the second round bought by our sergeant (thank you JIM!!). We showed our appreciation for that with three cheers! (hip-hip-hooray!!!).<\/p>\n
And the next thing we knew, the President was leaving the building, we headed downstairs, I caught up with Bette Jo and bummed a ride with her, the SS allowed the police to open the doors, and out the door we went, leaving history behind. And the proverbial “good time was had by all…”<\/p>\n
my apologies if I have been much too verbose.<\/p>\n
post historical kevin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Grace wrote this this morning – By grace on Feb 13, 2009 kevin was very happy when he got home last night. i\u2019m encouraging him to write about his experience in his own words. right now he\u2019s sitting around reading a catalog, but maybe later he\u2019ll do it\u2026i grilled him about ever last detail last […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1875","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6JLYy-uf","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1875"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1875"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1875"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/graceuncensored.com\/WordPress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1875"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}