Philadelphia mounted unit taking part in Trump inaugural parade

Members of Philadelphia-based National Guard unit are getting ready to mount up and march in the Jan. 20 inaugural parade for Donald Trump.

The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry will serve a dual role that day in D.C.

“We’re going to be operating both as a Pennsylvania National Guard Unit operating a tactical center that is the quick response force for actual problems at the inauguration if they occur,” said Andre Stephano, troop spokesman. “And in our ceremonial capacity, we will be riding in our full dress uniform, which was designed in 1825 by the Marquis DeLafayette.”

The volunteer group participates in many events with their horses, which are stabled at the Valley Forge Military Academy.

“We’ve done four inaugurations and 60 different details with presidents of the United States,” Stephano said. “The inaugurations go all the way back to Grant and, most recently, the first President Bush.”

The group of 20 or so donates its National Guard pay back to the unit to offset the cost of their ceremonial duties.