45 Years Ago Today

On June 1, 1973, “Black Jack” retired from active service with the U.S. Army. Black Jack came to the Old Guard on November 22, 1952, serving as a caparisoned (riderless) horse for 21 years. Black Jack took part in the State Funerals for John F. Kennedy, Herbert Hoover, Douglas MacArthur, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Black Jack also honored thousands of service members in final honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Even after Black Jack retired, he greeted visitors to the stables until his passing on February 6, 1976. Black Jack was laid to rest with full honors, on a corner of Summerall Field near the Fort Myer flag pole.