So proud of my boys-

After a rotten week (for no apparent reason) I feel so grateful today. Ryan's principal at his school asked our little scout troop to do the color guard for the school's Veteran's Day program. Now I have been in Scouts for almost a year now but until recently I let the leaders who were at least 10 year scout veterans lead the way. I had seen several color guards but I didn't pay too much attention. Well, we were worried last night. The boys had made Indian vests and they didn't want to put them down to practice the flag ceremony. They had been more rowdy than usual and we even had a few physical altercations between boys. SO not what I needed. I was ready to throw in the towel. I came home almost in tears and fearful of making fools of ourselves in front of an entire elementary school and the many veterans (including my hubby Mark) that were invited to the program. I have utmost respect for our veterans and I wanted to do it right. Thankfully, randomly we had chosen Ryan to be the commander (the speaker) so he and I practiced 100 times last night. I would pretend that I was the one holding the flag and walking down the aisle so Ry could practice his timing.

It turned out so great. I am so proud of my little scouts. They all showed up in their uniforms (love those parents) and were ready to post the colors. We even had a few other boys from other troops join us. We lined them up along the aisle to salute the flag when it went by.

I am SO proud of Ryan. He was so nervous but he stood in front of his whole school and with conviction in his voice called out all the commands perfectly! The boys in the color guard did wonderfully (the flag was heavy) and I was just as proud of them today and I was discouraged with them yesterday. It was neat to have Ryan participate in a program where his Dad was a guest.

They had the veterans stand when the 5th and 6th graders sang each of the military branches theme song. Mark stood during the Army theme song and I was so proud of him.
The principal had the most heart wrenching slideshow of our troops and Mark and I (and a whole lot of other people) sniffled through it. I sure love this country!

A gentleman from the VFW (and a Navy submarine vet) told us the origin of taps and them played it beautifully. I am such a sucker for anything patriotic. I am so glad they are teaching the kids to appreciate our veterans service.

Ryan and the other boys did an equally great job retiring the colors. He really made his mama proud today. He was so brave!

God Bless the USA