Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Overseas Operations
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 NY Guard’s 69th Infantry Carries Poet’s Crucifix to Africa By Staff Sgt. Alexander Rector,
                New York National Guard
 CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Poet Joyce Kilmer, most famous for the poem “Trees,” was killed over 100 years ago while serving as a sergeant in the New York National Guard’s 69th Infantry Regiment scout section during World War I. But a reminder of Kilmer is still with the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry today, as Task Force Wolfhound serves in Africa as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. The crucifix belonging to Kilmer was reportedly taken from his body by Medal of Honor holder Maj. William Donovan after Kilmer’s death on July 30, 1918. It has been taken to war and overseas deployments by the battalion commander ever since. Today it is being carried by Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, the commander of the 69th Infantry and the 1,100-member Task Force Wolfhound. “The Kilmer cross is one of the legends of the 69th,” said Tabankin. “It is part of our history and part of our lineage.” The crucifix is usually displayed in a case at the 69th Infantry’s headquarters at the Lexington Avenue Armory in Manhattan. Traditionally, the battalion commander carries it during the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, which the 69th has led since the 1850s. But the cross went to war in Iraq with the 69th in 2004, and Tabankin brought it with him to Africa. While deployed to CJTF-HOA, Tabankin made sure the Kilmer crucifix was taken to the five locations where Task Force Wolfhound Soldiers are stationed. “It is important for us to maintain our traditions to the greatest extent possible, even while deployed,” Tabankin said. “Whenever I travel to any of the outstations, it comes with me. I’ll wear it again when we have our St. Patrick’s Day parade here in Djibouti.” Kilmer was a famous writer, editor, poet and ardent convert to Catholicism in the years before World War I. In April 1917, Kilmer enlisted in the New York National Guard’s 69th Infantry because it was a predominantly Irish-Catholic unit then. Kilmer served with distinction, and though he was eligible to receive a commission, he reportedly said he would rather be a sergeant in the “Fighting 69th” than an officer in any other regiment. While serving, Kilmer wrote the poem “Rouge Bouquet,” commemorating 19 men killed by German artillery fire. That poem is now read at all 69th events. As a scout, Kilmer was often forward. He died in action near Seringes-et-Nesles, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne. “Rouge Bouquet” was read aloud at his gravesite. After the war, the crucifix was passed down from commander to commander before being lost to history in the years following World War II. It was returned to the regiment in the 1990s. Since then, it again has been passed from commander to commander and is revered as one of the unit’s most important relics. The 69th Infantry will miss this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York March 17; the rear detachment will march instead. But despite the distance, the unit plans to mirror the celebrations overseas at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the unit’s current headquarters. Tabankin, who is Jewish, realizes that though the demographics of the unit have changed over the years, its commitment to its traditions hasn’t wavered. “The 69th Infantry was formed by Irish immigrants who were predominantly Roman Catholic,” Tabankin said. “That was probably the dominant religion in the regiment for decades. Today, we are obviously much more diverse and reflect the population of New York City.” During this deployment to Africa, 13 religious communities are represented across the task force of more than 1,100 Soldiers. When the regiment returns to the United States later this year, its members will bring the Kilmer crucifix home, where it will once again be displayed.
 SHARE
 PRINT
  New York National Guard
 69th Infantry Division
 Djibouti
 CJTF-HOA
 St. Patrick's Day parade
 NY National Guard Strengthens Bonds with Allies in Morocco Overseas Operations • 6 days ago
 Alaska Guard Soldiers Honored Before Middle East Deployment Overseas Operations • 13 days ago
 29th Infantry Division HQ Heads Exercise Immediate Response Overseas Operations • 18 days ago
 134th Medical Company Joins Combined Resolve Exercise Overseas Operations • 19 days ago
 Guard Soldiers, Czech Partners Celebrate Victory in Europe Day Overseas Operations • 21 days ago
 2024 (24)  2023 (57)  2022 (71)  2021 (58)  2020 (41)  2019 (56)  2018 (55)  2017 (46)  2016 (31)  2015 (36)  2014 (48)  2013 (64)  2012 (134)  2011 (163)  2010 (179)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil