The ceremony started off with some excellent performances by the Maneuver Center of Excellence band. Honestly, I've never seen a more talented marching band. When they were finished performing, the ceremonial events really started. There were awe-inspiring demonstrations of the Army's lineage and tactical squads. For those who don't know, the soldiers doing the tactical squad demonstrations came out in "full battle rattle" to demonstrate each aspect of their uniform from Kevlar, to weapon, boots, and everything in between. Then, my heart began to race and chills ran down my spine when the troops made their entrance. Because there were over 400 soldiers graduating, Chris was very hard to spot. He was in the Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment.
One really fascinating part of the graduation ceremony was the recitation of the Drill Sergeant's Creed, recited by SSG Timothy Varney. He was actually pretty intimidating. Yelling like a true drill sergeant would, not wearing a microphone, he could be heard loud and clear throughout the entire stadium. To say it was powerful would be an understatement.
After the presentation of awards, remarks by reviewing officer, and everything else, it was finally time to see my soldier again! Though I had seen him just the night before, nothing compared to congratulating him after he had truly earned the title of soldier. Unfortunately, he had to get on a bus for his 94E AIT at Fort Gordon the next day but we still got to spend together one of the most memorable days of our lives.
