Pride and Patriotism

I attended yet another Army ceremony this morning. I never get tired of this kind of thing. I sat in the cool, rainy morning watching a group of Soldiers stand at attention as the Color Guard brought the American Flag  and the unit colors forward. In case you've never thought about it, the flag is tall and it's heavy. They have it hooked in a special device that wraps around their waist and are required to stand perfectly still... at attention. The wind was whipping this morning and that flag was all over the place. Those boys held still and precise. Little things like this almost make me cry.
Listening to the outgoing Command Sergeant Major speak about his pride in the Soldiers he was leaving definitely made me tear up a little.
There is nothing like being part of a military family. The pride and patriotism always touches me and the National Anthem makes me cry a little bit. Most of the kids on that parade field have been to war, at least once, most of them multiple times. Some of them are younger than at least 3 of my children.

You know what's almost as awesome as seeing Soldiers stand at attention, or salute the Flag?  Hearing them sing the Army Song at the top of their voices. HOOOAH!

Here is a photo of one of the ceremonies my husband was involved in so you get an idea of the way it looks.

That handsome devil on the far left is my own Soldier.

This photo is my husband giving his own salute to the flag as he did his pass and review. I so love this picture.