Sometimes it is the smallest things that are the most memorable and carry the loudest messages. This was the case for me at the Louisiana Wing Conference in March 2012.
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Honor Guard Members stand ready to escort the head table during the opening Assembly. Shown are C/Sr Master Sgt. Clare Gaudin (Rear); C/Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Delbasty (Front Right); C/Major Christian Tilles (Front Left.) |
The Conference location was nice, the room acceptable, the breakfast was good and the banquet food was a 'melt in your mouth' delight. There were lots of awards but while certainly appreciated, our unit's Squadron of the Year Award still was not the most impressive and memorable moment for me. In fact the moment came, not during any official program, not while the Wing Commander or any of our dignitaries or special guests were around.
This special moment for me was prior to the banquet. A number of cadets had begun to gather in the banquet room while the Honor Guard and Color Guard members ran through routines. All the cadets looked very sharp in there finest Class A uniforms and semi-formal attire. A low lull of voices throughout the room as one assisted another to straighten a color, others discussed which table would be the best choice and of course another texting the girl back home.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. All cadets came to the position of attention with a military bearing comparable to the sharpest service personnel you might find. Silent, that is, except for the National Anthem being played by the gentlemen setting up the sound for the banquet. He did not realize that he had brought the room, with all the cadet activity, to a halt.
In a day when even at a sports event, when people are asked to stand for the National Anthem and many show little to no respect; I am proud to say that it is so integrally a part of who they are that even in such an informal and almost accidental playing of our nations Star Spangled Banner, these teenagers, our "Leaders of tomorrow" reacted as every American should.
I am not sure if people get tired of my talking about these moments, little jewels for me. I do hope that in our society, where 90% of the stories we see and read in the news involves a teenager being arrested, someone will find hope in our leaders of tomorrow. They are out there, and if we do not shout their praises, who will?
