My current excuse for my lack of posting is my recent wedding. In this case though, it serves both as an excuse and and something I thought was worth blogging about.
The wedding was at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, which is where we originally met almost six years ago. I hate how I look in a tux so I wanted to wear my dress uniform. Three of my five groomsmen, including the best man were either active duty or prior service CG so I asked them to be in uniform as well.
This was, by the way my first time ever being in the Class "A" uniform, the main differences between that and the more common Class "B" uniform (aka Bravos) is the white shirt replacing the light blue one and the wearing of medals on the member's right breast.
Around the time of the rehearsal my father asked if I was going to do the traditional tunnel of sabers. I laughed and said no because the tunnel would only be two people long on each side and two of the Coasties were missing the rehearsal due to delays. However, the old man persisted and said he would take charge of the detail if only I and the lovely bride would allow it at the wedding. We agreed.
The ceremony was Saturday afternoon and went very well. After our time on the altar was through, we waited in the back of the chapel to give the guests time to make it outside and for the detail to get formed up. When the time was right, we made our way under the arch and the BM3 who had served with me for over three years at Gloucester lowered his saber in front of us, blocking our path.
"Halt. You must kiss to pass." We obliged with our second PDA as a married couple.
The saber was raised as he said "I now introduce you to Petty Officer and Mrs. Wardynski." The applause started an we started walking again. As we passed the BM3, he performed his final duty.
He gave her a slight tap on the butt with the flat edge of the saber accompanied by "Welcome to the Coast Guard ma'am."
The wedding was at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, which is where we originally met almost six years ago. I hate how I look in a tux so I wanted to wear my dress uniform. Three of my five groomsmen, including the best man were either active duty or prior service CG so I asked them to be in uniform as well.
This was, by the way my first time ever being in the Class "A" uniform, the main differences between that and the more common Class "B" uniform (aka Bravos) is the white shirt replacing the light blue one and the wearing of medals on the member's right breast.
Around the time of the rehearsal my father asked if I was going to do the traditional tunnel of sabers. I laughed and said no because the tunnel would only be two people long on each side and two of the Coasties were missing the rehearsal due to delays. However, the old man persisted and said he would take charge of the detail if only I and the lovely bride would allow it at the wedding. We agreed.
The ceremony was Saturday afternoon and went very well. After our time on the altar was through, we waited in the back of the chapel to give the guests time to make it outside and for the detail to get formed up. When the time was right, we made our way under the arch and the BM3 who had served with me for over three years at Gloucester lowered his saber in front of us, blocking our path.
"Halt. You must kiss to pass." We obliged with our second PDA as a married couple.
The saber was raised as he said "I now introduce you to Petty Officer and Mrs. Wardynski." The applause started an we started walking again. As we passed the BM3, he performed his final duty.
He gave her a slight tap on the butt with the flat edge of the saber accompanied by "Welcome to the Coast Guard ma'am."
8 comments:
PDA, haven't heard that in a few years. I assume the Coast Guard still doesn't approve of them?
Congratulation on your nuptials, may you have many years of joy.
Thank, senior.
Hadn't heard PDA in a while myself but the priest said it several times during the rehearsal so what the hell, I'm bringing it back.
Casey,
I just want to tell you that I have really enjoyed all of your blogs! Keep up the great work. This is the kind of blogging we need to see from our great Coast Guard Team!
Congratulations on the wedding :)
May you have a long life of love and happiness together!
Casey, congratulations. May you both of years of happiness together.
Boats, hate to tell you this but on the alpha uniform, the hard medals go on the left side (over the heart) and the ribbons go on the right.
Anonymous, you're absolutely right. It's a long story.
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