Pomp and Circumstance

As has been printed in the media, we had a steak picnic and a departure ceremony. Both were wonderful. And some of the questions like, “Did you see Mark Dayton and Norm Coleman flipping steaks?” I answer, “No.” There were forty-five hundred troops plus their families there. It’s not that I didn’t care to notice, rather, it’s hard to notice. A good time was had by all, and soldiers like free beer and steak. (Well, they do.)

I have personally never been to a military parade before, though I have been to a military ball before. So, I had a general idea of what to expect from a formal military event. I was impressed, and it was well put together.

The troops marched onto the parade grounds over a hill. Then, the official party was introduced. The official party consisted of Lt. Governors of the various states represented in the 34th ID, and some local politicians, such as state senator Dean Johnson. The Chaplain prayed. Next, there was something called the “Adjutant’s Call” where the units were introduced. Governor Pawlenty and the generals were introduced. Next, the flag was presented and the National Anthem was performed and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” was played (shame on the piccolo and the brass for wussing out on the solos!).

And Governor Pawlenty and the generals all spoke. Thankfully, they, like the rest of us, were exposed to the rain, so they kept it quick. Someone also told of the history of the MN National Guard. That part does vary from time to time. It depends on if they go back to the Minute Men or not. This time, they did a brief history of the 34th ID, tracing it back to the Civil War.

We were there for a purpose, to send of our troops well. It was, even though it rained the entire time, a good ceremony and a good send off. They will do their home states proud and should take pride in the support that they have back home.