The 110th Hospital Ball.

Last night Colin and I attended the Hospital Ball. We have been to the Navy Ball before. Colin is usually deployed so we don’t attend.
My favorite part is the Presentation of Colors. Everyone stands, the men at attention. It is a beautiful moment to hear the National Anthem and watch the colors (flags) slowly come in. It is a moment to reflect on how much the flags and America stand for and the history. America is an amazing nation. America is the most generous nation on earth. America has improved life for everyone on earth more than any other nation. In two hundred years America’s citizens have invented, discovered and revolutionized more than any other nation. Americans are a different type of people. America keeps its citizens safer than any other country. The list goes on and on.
The speaker was good largely because he acted like the guest of honor at an Irish funeral. (He provided a lot of alcohol and didn’t say much.) I was proud of myself because I could pick apart his ribbon stack to see what he had and didn’t have as well as the guys.
Another moment of chills was the POW/MIA (prisoner of war/ missing in action) table. At every Ball there is a ceremony for the soldiers who never made it home. It is chilling reminder that as these men face death often yet some have a different fate as prisoners of war. Especially when you hear how Americans were captured, sold to China and Russia, and used for human experiments. It is overwhelming the danger that these men face. Followed by the Corpsman Pledge and the Marine Corps Hymn. It is beautiful. I wish everyone in America could share this experience.
The ceremony was over, the fun began. We had a great table. Colin’s co-workers and friends are hilarious. Some were drunk or as they would say, chasing the happiness at the bottom of the glass. I wish I could bottle the constant laughing.
We returned to a sleeping baby. Thanks Grammy and Grandpa.