Military Ball

First let me apologize for the quality of the pictures but I am posting them anyway.  Tonight my girls got to attend their first military ball.  They had so much fun getting dressed in their most beautiful ball gowns.  Once we arrived at the ball I could see the excitement grow inside each of my daughters as we entered the ball room and it was decorated and filled with beautiful tables.  We found our seats at the head table and the first thing Lexi asked me was what fork she should use first.  The girls sat so patiently through the program which consisted of a speech given by LT. COL of the Air Force ROTC, then they proceeded on the to the POW table.  If you have ever attended a military function and have seen this ceremony performed, it leaves a profound impact on you.  Everything done in the military is rich with patriotism, respect and tradition.  The POW table is set of all those Soldiers who have not returned home  Each branch of the military  service is represented.  Everything on the table is full of symbolism.

 If you have ever attended a military function and have seen this ceremony performed, it leaves a profound impact on you.  Everything done in the military is rich with patriotism, respect and tradition.  The POW table is set of all those Soldiers who have not returned home. The table is set for one but each branch of the military  service is represented.  Everything on the table is full of symbolism.
 This is how the ceremony goes.
This Table set for one is small -- Symbolizing the frailty of one
prisoner alone against his oppressors……..Remember!..............
The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions
to respond to their country's call to arms……..Remember!............
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families
and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith
awaiting their return………… Remember!.....................The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of
the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who
bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper
accounting of our missing………….. Remember!.....................
The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of
their unconquerable spirit………..Remember!........................
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter
fate……….Remember!.......................
There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families’ tears
as they wait…….... Remember!.....................
The Glass is inverted -- They cannot toast with us this night………..
Remember!.....................
The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here
…….Remember!.................Remember! ………………
All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who
depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for
surely, they have not forsaken you………….
Remember!...................
Remember! -- Until the day they come home,………Remember!......
My girls were mesmerized by this ceremony.  I could see that really had an impact on Lexi and Isabelle.

Jon spoke to the cadets tonight also and did a great job.  He reminded the cadets that they are a chosen few.  He spoke to them about how accomplished they are already by they choices they have.  They are above and beyond their peers because first, they are attending college and furthering their education and second they are in a program that only few are a part of.  They will make a huge impact on those around them.

Olivia was so cute as both the COL and Jon were talking.  Placed on the plates in front of us was the menu for the night.  Olivia thought it was the program so she kept asking me where it said we could finally eat chicken.  She knew that she was getting chicken for dinner and she was so hungry that she kept asking where in the program we would get to the part where it said she could eat her chicken.  I love that little girl, you never know what she will say.

Olivia was in heaven as soon as dinner was over and everyone started heading for the dance floor. There was a live band and the girls had so much fun dancing with Jon and each other.  The cadets and the their dates thought Olivia was the cutest as she danced the night away.  Olivia truly thought she was a princess.  I loved seeing that excitement in all their eyes.
The best part about tonight was dancing with my man and watching him dance with his girls.  I know that this is a night my girls will never forget.