Respect Never Goes Out of Style

I've mentioned before, that my husband recently took command of a brigade of Soldiers. This brigade is quite large and covers three different Army posts and has a combined total of 8 battalions attached to it.
Needless to say, he is very busy and even a little overwhelmed at times at the issues that need to be addressed and the tasks that need to be done every day. His schedule is so tight that he truly has trouble returning personal phone calls or even a text message during the day. I've made brown bag lunches for him lately and he is literally eating in the vehicle as he moves from one meeting to another.
In spite of this schedule, Nick made time today to have an office call with a retired General Officer that was once in the same command position as he is. Because of that, and his dedication to this brigade, this General has been named "Honorary Commander" of the brigade.
The General was involved in alumni groups and other brigade related groups until he had a stroke. Now he walks with a cane and is slow to speak and walk. Because of that, he travels with his wife, who drives him from place to place.
Because his wife accompanies him, I was invited to be a part of today's office call, to keep her company.
Mrs. General and I enjoyed chatting about grand babies, old Army ways and social traditions as our husbands talked Army. Nick briefed the General on what current brigade Soldiers are involved in and asked for his input on certain things. We also sent them away with a lot of brigade "swag"  Coffee mugs with the unit crest, a coin of the battalion the General commanded etc. The old gentleman's eyes lit up when Nick asked if he would like to have the coffee mug. He said "You're damn right!" 
As we finished up and promised to get together for dinner soon, we escorted the couple to the brigade front door.
Just as the General reached the exit door, my husband, brigade commander, called his Soldiers to attention. The General didn't miss a beat, didn't slow down and didn't look back. He simply said "Carry On"  and he left the building.
I realize I'm a bit of a sentimental slob, but I got teary eyed when Nick stood at attention and called the others to attention as well. It was a courtesy to a man who has served with honor and still wants to be involved.
I was very proud to be part of my husband's team today. I'm so humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to stand alongside the heroes that served before. They certainly deserve all the respect we can give them.