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Notes -
Yeah, Swiss guard are early 16th century. Founded in 1506 (so it's their 520th anniversary this year, mark that down on the calendar along with the US semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary), new recruits sworn in every 6th May on the anniversary of the Sack of Rome in 1527, a mere 499 years ago, as memorialised by Sabaton.
If JD can swing an invite for good ol' Elbridge, he could attend the ceremony in May before the July US celebration? 🤣
(As a European, it is kinda cute to watch US guys like Elbridge stomping their feet and throwing their weight about with threats to an entity that survived Diocletian and Napoleon and Hitler. Like, the Swiss Guard last stand is twice as old as your nation's official foundation, my friend, and they're not our oldest part!).
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