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At the invitation of Colonel Arnold Smith, Director of the US Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRM), Washington DC, a party of four In-Pensioners accompanied by Lt Col and Mrs Mackenzie, visited the AFRH in November 2002. One of the four was Hughie Gilchrist who was at Queen Victoria School between 1934-38 and served in the Seaforth Highlanders : he is on the right of the picture.
AN EXTRACT FROM LT COL A M MACKENZIE MBE'S ARTICLE IN THE TRICOURNE JANUARY 2003
Monday 11 November
US Veterans Day. Despite the fact that it was raining heavily this was a day that none of us will forget or want to forget. Our day started very early in order that we could arrive at the White House in time for breakfast with the President, having negotiated the intense security screening which surrounds the President and entry to the White House. I knew that I was in bother as soon as the CIA security officials set eyes on my sword. This was a challenge they were clearly not prepared for and I was in no mood to compromise or hand-over an item of Her Majesty's uniform. After a humorous stand-off which lasted for some minutes and numerous phone calls to security chiefs, I was permitted, with sword, to rejoin the Party and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the company of numerous veterans and high ranking officials. Following breakfast and before we were taken to our seats in the East Room to hear the President's annual address to veterans, we were given the opportunity to visit some of the beautiful State Rooms in the East Wing, not normally seen by
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members of the public. In his introductions the President mentioned the UK as one of America's strongest friends and welcomed the Chelsea Contingent to the people's house. The speech that followed paid homage to all past and present veterans, praised the success of operations in Afghanistan and was riveting and unambiguous in its pledge to have Iraq disarm with or without the use of force.
The visit to the White House was followed by our official attendance at the Arlington National Cemetery as guests of the US Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCX)A), to hear the President giving his Veterans Day speech to the Nation. Following the departure of the President we were invited to provide the escort to the NCOA Wreath Laying Party at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was a very quiet, dignified affair and we all felt very privileged to parade alongside our US allies.
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