Dover’s Unsung Heroes -Honor guard dedication unwavering

  • Published
  • By Major Brian Eddy and Major Cory Larsen
  • 436th SVS
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  There is a group of men and women on base that often go unnoticed but play an integral part in the role of community relations. In addition to promoting Dover Air Force Base and the Air Force as a whole, this group of individuals ensures America's fallen heroes are provided the dignity, honor and respect they richly deserve.

Much like the knights of the Renaissance, these individuals act with loyalty, unselfishness and reverence in all aspects of their duties; they are Team Dover's 'Blue Knights,' the Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Airmen initially volunteer for honor-guard duty and are then handpicked by their squadron supervision to serve as a member. Since they represent the past and present who have served and sacrificed for the Air Force, their standards of conduct and level of professionalism must be above reproach. Just like every honor guard member before them; active, reserve, guard and retiree, they have earned the right to wear the honor guard ceremonial uniform, which is honored in a rich tradition and history. And every member honors their memory by wearing it properly and proudly.

Blue Knight's are dedicated to duty. They will never allow their performance to be dictated by the type of ceremony, severity of the temperature or size of the crowd. They remain superbly conditioned to perfect all movements throughout every drill and ceremony. They do this as a fulfillment of their oath, 'I am constantly driven to excel by a deep devotion to duty and a strong sense of dedication. Representing every member, past and present, of the United States Air Force, I vow to stand sharp, crisp, and motionless, for I am a ceremonial guardsman.'

Because of this dedication and commitment, Blue Knights are routinely seen providing colors for local civic events, sporting events, community parades, Team Dover social and official functions and retirement ceremonies.

However, there is more to their duties as ceremonial guardsmen. Dover AFB has four main mission focus areas: Safely fix and fly aircraft, prepare and deploy people, move cargo and return America's fallen heroes with dignity, honor and respect. The Blue Knights oath is tied directly to the Wing's fourth focus area.

"They fought together as brothers in arms," said Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, when referring to America's fallen heroes of World War II. "They died together, and now lay side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation. This obligation is to honor them, respect them and never forget their sacrifices."

The same is true for all of our deceased warriors, past, and present.

Dover's Blue Knights fulfill this obligation every time they participate in a dignified transfer of heroes returning to Dover or in a funeral for an active duty member, veteran or retiree. They take on this obligation freely as volunteers; they serve with honor, they wear the uniform with pride, they render respect and admiration -- not because they have to, but because they want to.

Every member of the Honor Guard has a primary job. Still, they volunteer their time with the Honor Guard, often giving up personal time to carry out this 'solemn obligation.'

There are times when the Blue Knights have a funeral in the morning and must quickly return to perform a dignified transfer followed closely by a colors detail in the evening.

When Dover calls for their service, there is no hesitation, no complaining; their response is always, 'We'll be there.'

The Blue Knights perform an average of 16 civic events, eight funerals and 21 dignified transfers per month. The team is authorized 60 members; however, due to ongoing deployments, they routinely complete their mission with 42. These 42 are the epitome of Service before Self, as they never let an event, ceremony, transfer or funeral go without support.

They will not seek recognition, or accolades of any kind, but we ask the next time you see one of our Blue Knights give them a pat on the back for a job well done, and for fulfilling our solemn obligation.