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The Old Guard

The above photograph shows a 1963 service in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York. Closest to the sanctuary are four members of the Veteran Corps of Artillery, State of New York, but behind them can be scene a member of the Old Guard of the City of New York. The VCA, of which my Uncle Matt (a frequent commenter upon this site) is a member, is older, being founded in 1790. The Old Guard dates from 1826, and Uncle Matt’s father (my grandpa) was Commadant of that august group. There’s a great photo of my father as a small child gazing up at his father in Old Guard uniform including the tall bearskin busby. Perhaps Pop will scan it sometime, else I will get around to it when I’m back in the States.

With all its traditional pomp and circumstance, the Old Guard of the City of New York turned out to observe the one hundred and fifth anniversary of its organization. There was the usual parade with major generals, colonels, majors, and captains marching as privates under the banners of this battalion and proud of their place in its rank and file. After the parade church services were held in the old chapel on Governors Island.
(A bad copy from The Sun, Fort Covington, NY, 1931)

Sunday, October 16th, 2005 6:44 pm | Categories: Governors Island History Militaria New York Old Guard
7 Comments so far
  1. Suzanne Hoehne(nee Romeo) on 21 August 2006 — 4:27 pm

    Andrew, my Dad was a member of the Old Guard of the city of NY (Michael Romeo) and I remember Matt Cusack and his wife, also the Guths. I attended many parades and meetings at the old brownstone in NY off of Riverside Drive. Matt is your uncle?

  2. jeff welte on 5 February 2007 — 10:44 am

    looking for an old member of the old guard

  3. Mark Hayden on 20 March 2007 — 12:29 am

    Can anyone give me information on the picture in the page above -71st Regiment Drum and Fife Corps, close to 1930(?)

    Old Guard

  4. John Anderson on 21 October 2007 — 6:46 pm

    I’m looking for any information on my ggf, Sol Anderson, who was a Captain in the Old Guard. He lived from 1856-1930. I have a wonderful picture of him and others in full regalia, marching down Broadway.

  5. Doug Todd on 22 November 2007 — 12:21 pm

    I’m Doug Todd, my dad was Michael Todd, a past Commandant. I attended many OG annual ball’s as a kid and later as a Marine. The Old Guard always stood for all things American, true patriotism and military values. I hope it still exists today. Any friends of the OG or similar historic organizations are welcome to contact me.

  6. Dennis M. O'Mahony on 10 March 2008 — 12:16 pm

    My parents, my wife and I attennded many of the Old Guard Balls in New York. I have a photo of the January, 1970 Ball when Matt Cusack was the Colonel Commanding. Mr dad, Col. Daniel J. O’Mahony was Commander of the 3rd Regiment Infantry, N.G.P. We also attended the rifle matches at Camp Smith sponsored by the Old Guard. Many fine memories of old comrades.

  7. Scott Tera on 21 March 2008 — 8:25 pm

    I always remember going with my dad to many parades and outings with the OG, I have many great memories of those days. Just wanted to say hey to all.

    Son of the late Robert F.Tera

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All text © Andrew Cusack 2004-present, unless otherwise stated.