Fiddler's Green

[nawilson]

"Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green
Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped,
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddlers' Green.

Marching past, straight through to Hell
The Infantry are seen.
Accompanied by the Engineers,
Artillery and Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddlers' Green.

Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene.
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he's emptied his canteen.
And so rides back to drink again
With friends at Fiddlers' Green.

And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to get your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddlers' Green."

In memory of those I hope to see... either in that last ORP or maybe on Fiddler's Green.

 

[Donn]

Hits home, NA. My son's in the cavalry.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

My last tour in Nam was attached to Fox of the 9th Cav. I learned about Fiddles Green at that time.

 

[Tam 3]

Toujours pret.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

thanks for posting

 

[ChuckS1]

Garryowen... During my Army career I marched in and watched a lot of parades, retreat ceremonies, and changes of command, but I always thought 1st Cavalry Division did it better than anyone. The heritage of the cavalry from the Indian War period, personified by the 7th Cavalry Regiment, as well as the 2d, 3d, 5th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Cavalry Regiments (I know I missed a few) is unequalled by any other unit in the US Army (apologies to the paratroopers ). If nothing else, the sight of Abrams tanks and Bradleys led by the Horse Platoon and a mounted color guard, passing in review with the Division Band playing "Garry Owen" leaves everything in the dust. Memories like this make me miss the Army.

 

[nawilson]

Garryowen... During my Army career I marched in and watched a lot of parades, retreat ceremonies, and changes of command, but I always thought 1st Cavalry Division did it better than anyone. The heritage of the cavalry from the Indian War period, personified by the 7th Cavalry Regiment, as well as the 2d, 3d, 5th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Cavalry Regiments (I know I missed a few) is unequalled by any other unit in the US Army (apologies to the paratroopers ). If nothing else, the sight of Abrams tanks and Bradleys led by the Horse Platoon and a mounted color guard, passing in review with the Division Band playing "Garry Owen" leaves everything in the dust. Memories like this make me miss the Army.

It is really cool to see the Horse Detachment charging across the field in front of Division Headquarters at a change of command. I love the nostalgia.

 

[rimfired]

First I've ever seen/heard of it.
As Infantry was mentioned I'll
remember it. Goin' Straight to HELL in a handbasket.
Thanks!
If you're lucky you will learn something new everyday!

 

[mcmoon03]

Glad I never have to stand in a parade ever again. I understand the tradition and what it stands for but simply hate them as I was a warrior, not a poster child.

 

[Autococker07]

Did a lot of time attached to various Army units, but the Cav has a special place in my heart, nowhere else did I ever feel as at home (including AF assignments LOL) .

 

[ChuckS1]

Glad I never have to stand in a parade ever again. I understand the tradition and what it stands for but simply hate them as I was a warrior, not a poster child.

LOL, true, but tradition and ceremonies are a huge part of what we were and how we came to be. I can see where a 19 year old PFC might not appreciate hours of D&C in the hot Texas sun. But tell you what, when you watched the battle streamers on the battalion colors flap in the breeze as they passed, you can't not remember what they represent and the sacrifices made by the troopers of the Division.

 

[Lefty19]

Ready and Forward and Garryowen! Two of the most memorable outfits out of a long list.