The past few days produced little news which left me feeling there was reason to tax my brain and attempt to write something intelligent. Perhaps after all the exhausting discussion on an illegal immigration bill which has not even come to either floor of Congress (while I still applaud the group of bipartisan senators who took the time to begin this process), I simply felt numb.

I turned my attention instead to the milblogs, several of which are daily reads for me and found myself grateful that they did not face the extermination feared a few weeks ago. Who else continuously tells the stories of our heroes both at home and abroad..certainly not the media, very seldom members of Congress and while the President praises the troops at every opportunity, somehow there is a void for those like me who feel our men and women in uniform deserve so much more.

When I read this, I felt compelled to see it was shared.

Cheers on Corridor Three
by LTC Bob Bateman
10:30 hours (local EST), Friday, 11 May 2007: Third Corridor, Second Floor, The Pentagon:

It is 110 yards from the “E” ring to the “A” ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here. This hallway, more than any other, is the “Army” hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew. Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area. The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares.

While that paragraph did not strike me as particularly newsworthy, what followed led to an emotional roller coaster.

10:36 hours (local EST):

The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is an applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway. A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating.

There was compassion and prayers for those receiving this tribute but also pride in knowing the “family” which is the US military continues to thrive.

Given this:

This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.

I only wish I would have known long ago.

HT:Blackfive