Graduation

Here are some more pictures from Graduation. There was a marching band and then the soldiers came out of the smoke (out of the woods) with gunfire (blanks) and they also brought out the tanks. It was very cool--the kids and I loved it!






The guy running in the front of this picture is Ryan. One man from each platoon was to run forward and face west (or east....whatever). He was the one from the third platoon doing it.


An announcer introduced all the different weapons that the soldiers have now learned to carry, maintain, and use. As each weapon was introduced, a soldier stepped forward to show the crowds.



This band was great. They did an awesome job bringing in the spirit of unity and pride to everyone.


The soldiers marched in a broad circle passing the crowds of families and friends so that we could all take pictures of them. Here's Ryan in the front on the right.


We were given ten minutes to welcome our soldiers after the ceremony was finished. There were small x's on the pavement which all the soldiers were standing on (or had their right foot on). There weren't allowed to move their right foot. They could pivot and such to get hugs and talk to their loved ones, but that foot had to remain on the x. I think Ryan was the only one that abided by that rule. It was all good. We still were able to give him lots of hugs, kisses, ect.



A big thanks going out to Meg who, unbeknownst to Ryan and I, was taking pictures like crazy as we greeted Ryan. I think we had just turned and were smiling at the family during this shot--and I love it! He and I don't have a lot of pictures of just us and this one is by far my favorite!!!!! Thanks Meg!