Maj. Mark Castillion leads the Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment and 156th Army Band as they march off of the parade field at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans during the Washington Artillery’s 181st Pass-In-Review ceremony Sunday.
Louisiana National Guardsman places a wreath at the foot of the Washington Artillery Monument in Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans to memorialize the 256 artillerymen from the historic unit who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
National Guard unit marks long, distinguished history
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted 1ts 81st annual Pass-In-Review ceremony Sunday at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Joseph Barnett relinquished command of the battalion to Maj. Christopher McElrath after leading the unit for two years.
“You’ve lived up to our great history, and we will continue to make history of our own,” said McElrath to his new troops.
“We will move forward and get better every day at providing the mighty Tiger Brigade with the fire support they need to accomplish the mission.”
The Washington Artillery is recognized as the oldest military unit outside of the original 13 colonies.
The unit has fought in nearly every significant U.S. war since the Battle of New Orleans.
The Pass-In-Review ceremony is an opportunity for the commanding officer to review his troops.
Over the weekend, the 141, along with the Washington Artillery Veterans’ Association, also held a wreath laying ceremony at a Metairie Cemetery monument dedicated to fallen Louisiana artillerymen.
The monument lists all of the engagements the battalion has been in as well as the 256 Guardsmen who have died for their country.
Please visit http://www.geauxguard.com for the latest Louisiana National Guard releases, photos and videos.