Posted By FarmerJ on December 16, 2008

On Saturday, December 13, I experienced something different as a military wife.  I am always extremely proud of my husband and the work that he so humbly performs, but I felt something new two nights ago.  I’m not sure I will be able to encapsulate it with words, but I will do my best to share with you our little adventure.

Darling Husbie was approached by the Battalion recruiters a couple of weeks ago ~ they asked him if he had plans for the evening of December 13.  I happened to be in Husbie’s office.  I knew we didn’t have any specific plans for this particular evening, that is, up until that moment.

The Professional Bull Riders were in town for their Enterprise Tour, and it turns out arrangements had been made for the PBR to promote the Nebraska National Guard throughout the evening’s event.  What better way to promote the National Guard than by enlisting a group of soldiers during the intermission?!  That’s where Darling Husbie came into play ~ he was asked if he would, as a commanding officer, perform the enlistment oath and swearing in of the new soldiers.  Of course Husbie, being the team player he is, graciously agreed to perform the task.

Now, you have to understand something about Husbie.  He is not a man who is comfortable being the center of attention in a room full of six, let alone an event center filled with thousands.  I couldn’t help but smile with admiration for my Husbie, as I was proud of him to so quickly and willingly agree to do something that undoubtedly put him far outside his comfort zone.  And, okay, I was smiling ~ just a little bit ~ because we were going to get to watch the PBR!

We had to arrive a few hours before the event started in order for the soldiers to rehears their marching, formation, etc.  So while Husbie was busy rehearsing formalities, I occupied myself by watching the bulls get unloaded from the trailers and put into the holding pens.  Oh my, what an experience that was.  Let me just summarize it briefly by saying ‘whoa’ and ‘pheew-eeeee!’  Bull riders don’t make enough money, in my valueless opinion.

So, with much anticipation on my part, the activities finally began.  All lights in the event center went out and the spotlight shone in the center of the main floor.  They began announcing the bull riders one by one as they appeared from the darkness and lined up across the entire floor ~ there were approximately 35 riders.

Introduction of the bull riders was immediately followed with a performance by two soldiers honoring our ultimate heroes ~ our fallen soldiers.  The event center was still black, with the exception of the spotlight, and the darkness was filled with the sound of the unmistakable prayer in music, Taps.

Once the flag, traditionally folded into a triangle reminiscent of the cocked hat from the American Revolution, was solemnly carried off into the darkness, members of the Nebraska Army National Guard Color Guard appeared carrying the State flag along with our amazing Red, White and Blue.

Now, being up close and personal with the bulls while I waited for Husbie to complete his rehearsal was a new experience, for sure, but what happened next is what will stick with me for the remainder of my life.  The thousands in attendance stood for our National Anthem.  Husbie, being in uniform, saluted the flag as the Star Spangled Banner was beautifully sung.  Whether it’s because I’m proud to be an American, because I’m a military wife, or simply because I’m an emotional female, I cannot make it through the National Anthem without tears rolling down my face.

This National Anthem, however, penetrated my heart like none other.  By the third line into the Star Spangled Banner, the thousands of spectators began singing along.  The entire event center was filled with the sound of thousands of Americans signing our National Anthem together.  Never before had I witnessed this.  It was truly amazing and I am touched that I got to experience it.

The crowd cheered, the event center lit up and the show was about to begin!  It was as if even the bulls knew it ~ there were approximately 40 of them, all of which had been penned up for the past five hours ~ and they started banging their horns and pushing on the cages and bullying each other…they were more than ready to get out and do their thing!  Within a couple of minutes, the first shoot gate flew open and the show was on.

Intermission came and it was time for the enlistment.  The ten recruits marched onto the main floor and while Darling Husbie proceeded to address them, the spectators all stood.  Husbie read the oath and performed the swearing in.  When complete, the now new soldiers saluted Husbie and the crowd went wild cheering in support and appreciation.  It’s really wonderful to see how these mid-westerners truly do appreciate our men and women in military uniform.

Finally Husbie’s task was complete; he had been outside of his comfort zone and could now return and relax enough to enjoy the remainder of the bull riding event ~ and what a show it was!  Truly a good night all around.

Categories: Military Life
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