Phillies Color Guard, Independence Day, 2025
On July 4, 2025, the nation celebrated the 249th anniversary of the adoption of the declaration of Independence at the Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia. It’s fitting that the Pennsylvania National Guard provided a color guard for a meeting between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds Major League baseball teams.
In addition to an active component Air Force performer singing the National Anthem, the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry provided personnel to recognize this occasion. The First Troop boasts a lineage as the first purely volunteer cavalry unit to be organized in defense of the American Colonies. Founded in 1774, today the Troop serves a dual function, as Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, and as a private organization serving the community (https://firsttroop.com/about-us/). The unit wore its ceremonial cavalry uniforms, consisting of a Prussian blue tunic and cavalry helmet with a distinctive bearskin swath. As seen in attached photographs they presented the stars and stripes, yellow 1-104 Cavalry Squadron Colors, and ultramarine U.S. Army Field Flag due to the ceremonial nature of the occasion. More history about the unit may be found here (https://armyhistory.org/first-troop-philadelphia-city-cavalry/).
This event is a reminder not only of the National Guard’s enduring commitment to service, but that in Pennsylvania “always ready, always there” rings true, as several units enjoy lineage longer than the nation itself. This spotlight shows a specific facet of support which is carried out year long, peaking around Memorial and Veterans Day celebrations. Events such as this one are a good example of what to expect during the USA 250 cycle of events which begins spring of 2026.