The Berlin Police Department’s honor guard took center stage at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on April 13 to present the nation’s colors during the Monster Energy AMA Supercross event.
It marked the second consecutive year the guard has been invited to participate in the nationally broadcast event. For a department serving a small South Jersey town, the opportunity to perform in front of tens of thousands in a stadium usually reserved for the NFL and major concerts was a rare and humbling experience, according to Lt. Joshua Smith, the guard’s leader.
“This is a huge accomplishment to be recognized and requested to attend an event like this,” he acknowledged. “Being called upon again in 2025 just shows the level of professionalism and commitment our team has to partake in the honors of presenting our nation’s colors at such a large-scale event.”
The honor guard was first invited to Lincoln Financial Field in 2023, during an Eagles game against the Washington Commanders, and returned that same year to assist with the massive, 100-yard flag during the Eagles versus Dallas Cowboys Salute to Service game. The relationship helped pave the way for the guard’s ongoing participation in high-profile events like Supercross, a motorcycle racing series.
“The experience is outstanding,” Smith noted. “Coming from a smaller town like ours to be recognized in such a large capacity is best described as humbling.”
The preparation behind the scenes is no small task. Each member of the guard is selected based on experience in drill and ceremony, and many participants have military or ROTC backgrounds. Smith, who has helped train several police academy classes, emphasized the importance of discipline, precision and public presentation in guard routines.
“Every person on this team brings something unique,” he explained, “but we all share the same commitment to representing our department and community with pride.”
Smith noted that public displays like that at Lincoln Financial Field are important for strengthening community trust in police and showcasing the values of law enforcement beyond the badge.
“It shows that smaller communities can work with larger-scale event coordinators and vice versa,” he maintnained. “It also demonstrates that as a smaller agency, we are able to accommodate the requests of such a large event.”
In addition to raising the department’s profile, the guard’s participation in national events has a profound impact internally.
“It’s huge,” Smith offered. “It brings a positive light to our agency. Everyone we meet is so thankful for our presence. It shows that we are united as a nation together under our flag and what it represents.”
Among the many memorable moments for the guard this year, Smith recalled a quiet but meaningful gesture at the Supercross event.
“One of the (motorcycle) riders,” he recounted, “made a point to thank us for being there and being a part of the day.”
For younger officers and community members who may want to join the honor guard or get involved in community outreach, Smith has this advice: “When opportunity presents itself, you have to go for it. Whether it’s a large national event or a small local gathering, take that opportunity and turn it into something meaningful – for yourself, your department and the people you serve.”
