They're going to want to have a party

If you've ever watched the movie, "We Were Soldiers" (and if you haven't, you should) there is a scene in he movie that I think about often.... the ladies of the unit are sitting together watching the President announce details of the war and the COL's wife tells the girls, "get your best dresses out ladies, they're going to want to have a party." (at least, it's something like that....I couldn't find the actual clip)

Last night, John and I went to "our party" - the 2/13 Cav All Ranks Sabers Ball. Cavalry colors are traditionally red and white and I went with a white dress and a red handbag (thanks Kim!) and was escorted by a true Cavalryman, my handsome husband, an Officer and a gentleman (well, mostly a gentleman....he is a Cav scout after all).

If you've never been to a formal Military event, it is a priviledge. I'd love to give you a little taste....here you go!!

The evening begins with a cocktail hour, followed by a formal receiving line with the commander. I enjoyed coaching the younger wives in our unit on receiving line protocol (although, I am not sure all appreciated my "advice"), they were happy to take it and it was fun watching the commander introduce himself to all the beautiful ladies whoe walked past him. The call to Mess (time to find your seat), Then the Color Guard....all on their feet as the "colors" come by (the American Flag and the Sabers Guidon). Follow the flag with your eyes as a drum roll sounds and soldiers march carefully, carrying the colors with pride and precision. "Sir, Permission to post the colors." "Post the colors"...... The National Anthem Plays, an invocation is given, we toast. We toast - we toast the President, The Country, The Unit, The Brigade, our fallen commrades....we are directed to the fallen soldier table,

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I WOULD LIKE TO DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO THE SMALL TABLE TO MY LEFT – SET FOR ONE. IT HOLDS A PLACE OF HONOR WITH US TONIGHT. THIS TABLE IS OUR WAY OF SYMBOLIZING THE FACT THAT MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY ARE MISSING FROM OUR MIDST.THEY ARE KNOWN AS PRISONERS OF WAR, MISSSING IN ACTION AND KILLED IN ACTION. WE CALL THEM OUR FALLEN COMRADES.THIS SMALL TABLE; SET FOR ONE, REPRESENTS THE FRAILTY OF LIFE FOR EACH OF US. THE TABLE CLOTH IS BLACK AND WHITE.THE WHITE REPRESENTS THE PURITY OF THEIR INTENTIONS TO SERVE.THE BLACK REPRESENTS OUR MOURNING FOR OUR FALLEN COMRADES.THE SINGLE ROSE & SINGLE CANDLE REMINDS US OF THE FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES OF OUR COMRADES IN ARMS WHO KEEP THE FAITH, AWAITING THEIR RETURN. A SLICE OF LEMON IS ON THE BREAD PLATE TO REMIND US OF THEIR BITTER FATE.SALT SPILLED UPON THE PLATE, SYMBOLIC OF THE FAMILIES’ TEARS ASTHEY WAIT FOR WORD.AN INVERTED WINE GLASS REPRESENTS THE TOAST OUR FALLENCOMRADES CANNOT MAKE WITH US TONIGHT.”THE EMPTY CHAIR REMAINS VACANT FOR OUR COMRADES.OUR HOPE TONIGHT IS THAT THEY WILL HEAR US AS WE TOAST THEIR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.....a moment of silence, lest we forget, a toast to our guests....."gentlemen, please seat your ladies" and a final toast, "TO THE LADIES"! A delcious meal, great conversation, lots of "war stories", laughter. After dinner, awards given to soldiers by the commander, "Attention to orders" and all soldiers in the room swiftly rise and stand at attention. After the awards, the Commander says, "rest", all soldiers continue to stand, but at rest and from the back a soldier yells, " IF YOU AIN'T CAV..." and the ENTIRE room responds in a very loud unified chorus, "YOU AIN'T S@#T!!" No, the language isn't fit for Sunday dinner, but it is enough to make you smile and be very proud to be in the company of soldiers who are so proud to be Cavalrymen, soldiers, brothers. (Don't tell, but I echoed the response myself more than once.) Skits are next....an opportunity for the Troops to poke fun at each other - truly some of the funniest stuff you'll ever see. Remarks from the Commander.....the benediction from the Chaplain. "Sir, Request permission to retire the colors" "Retire the colors".....once again, silence, all you can hear is marching as the color guard carefully carry out the colors. Then dancing!!!!

We are very proud to be a part of these amazing events and to be a part of 2/13 Cav!!! John will deploy soon for 12 months to Iraq, along with all the great soldiers in the room last night. It was a priviledge to spend a fabulous evening in the company of the Saber Squadron - I have great faith in the men that John will follow and lead onto the battlefield.

It was a party! Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into an awesome evening!!

Sabers!! It Shall Be Done!!