On another note, was I the only one to gather a tear of tremendous pride and respect for Staff Sgt, Alfred Lanier, Honor Guardsman at the Tomb of the Unknowns, featured on Fox News Sunday?
WOW.
No, Jezebelle> I was so overwhelmed by Sgt. Lanier that I couldn't even post anything about it. I will never forget the face of that exceptional young man.
I was impressed with Staff Sergeant Lanier. However, I have a jaundiced view of the "Old Guard." One of my frieds and co-workers was in that unit and I have a lot of insight into them through him. They are viewed (unfairly) by combat units as "guys who can march well," which is true but doesn't do justice to them. There are a fair number of REMF types who have found their way into the Old Guard. There are also a good many "major players" who are given that billet as a thank you for lots and lots of very unpleseant (read that as dangerous) but necessary duty. It's a way to finish out their 20 when they've already seen the elephant.
My friend is in between. He didn't see combat and did "march well," but he understood 100% what the job was and who it was about. Not many, but still too many, of the "warriors in the gardens of stone" think its about them. Staff Sgt Lanier doesn't appear to be one of those and I'm pleased they featured him this weekend. I wish they'd do it without waiting for Memorial day, however.