Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Demobilization Ceremony
Today, I attended a Parade and Demobilization Ceremony of the Oregon National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, Operation Iraqi Freedom. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Demobilization Ceremony...do! It was an unbelievable display of American heritage.
Chandler and fellow classmates walked from school to parade route to cheer on our returning soldiers.
The students made signs and wore patriotic gear.
220 soldiers arriving in Forest Grove for the Demobilization Ceremony.
After walking back to school with the students, I attended the Ceremony hosted by the FG High School.
The bleachers were filled with family, veterans, and members of the community.
I have never attend such a ceremony. I was moved by rituals involved in demobilizing the battalion. Their mission...to conduct convoy Security missions in support of logistical operations throughout the country of Iraq.
During the ceremony, they returned the flags, honored the two soldiers lost in combat, Oregon's Governor Kulongoski made pledges of support to the troop and their families, just to name a few events. I must admit I cried while Amazing Grace was played by solo bagpipe for two men I never met. Couldn't help but feel the sorrow of the crowd.
It all ended on a high note of the soldiers receiving a bottle of Rogue Ale! Cheers and thank you!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
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