Earlier this week we went to a change of command...<----Army speak for basically when one big dog takes over for another big dog. The big dogs hand over the leadership in symbolic ceremony....see those big flags? Each battalion/brigade has one. There are little streamers from each flag or guidons for each thing they have fought in. Since this was a division change of command, there were six battalions, which is a whole lot of honkin' soldiers. 
This is a Cavalry division, so there was a Cavalry charge. The guys on horses race across the parade field with guns shooting and lots of whooping it up!
There was a band....what ceremony isn't complete without an Army_song: " Over hill over dale we have hit the dusty trail, As our caissons go rolling along." 
The 'big dogs" doing a preview of the troops.....(on a side note: between these four guys, I think there are three general officers with about six stars amongst them. I used to say if I was going to "wear rank ", I was going to put a star on my shoulder! I wonder if their wife's ever said that?
Finally, once it was over, they rest the horses on the field so people can come pet them, take pictures, talk to them, etc...
Who doesn't like a nice piece of a$$?? I crack myself up!
The kids loved seeing what Daddy does at work, seeing the big horses, hearing the cannons, etc.
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18 comments:
I love the way Livi is looking at her Daddy.
You can see it in their faces- they love their dad! They must have loved all of the action.
tulipmom-she does worship the ground he walks on.......challenge him? yes, at three and a half, she is the epitome of a challenge!
Lisa- they really do. He deployed when Liv was just barely two...so I wondered how she would take to him once he got back. But now, four months later, she is truly becoming a daddy's girl!
Oh this would be amazing to see in person I bet. I'm partial to any shot with a horse in it. VERY cool!
mamageek-it really was quite the experience, we took a picnic blanket, set it in the shade of some mongo helicopter......(away from the crowd!)
I love their hats! And the great looks on their faces! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I know it's "normal" for you but it's brand new for me! And waaayy cool.
How come they didn't bring their swords? (Those are way cool too.)
And yes, Livi and her Daddy are wonderful. I also like how almost embarrassed Will is - that's because of you Tommie - Well done!
Oh wow! Look at those beautiful faces . . . How absolutely cool!!
And you cracked me up too . . .get it, CRACKed. Heh heh . . .
I am so proud to be an American- and thankful for people like your husband and your family. God Bless.
I so enjoy your pictures....
Thanks for all of your prayers and kind words over the past few weeks. I'm so blessed to have great bloggy friends.
I was wondering about the horse ass pic Bwaa haaa!!!!
I bet it was exciting for the kids :)
Love those photos. I just love horses - they're so gorgeous and powerful...
Your kids will love these shots when they're grown!
Ah, how I miss military speak!
What a great change of command....the horses make it extra special.
Great photos - love the new look of your blog.
Tommie,
What fun pictures. I was in the military for 4 years but never saw a Cavalry ceremony. And thanks for the wee bit of verse...I couldn't help but sing along!
I have to chime in on that last picture...the adoration in her eyes (and his) is just lovely. (Or do you think perhaps she's just admiring her own reflection?! Wouldn't that be funny??)
Thanks for sharing such a fun day.
MoxyJane
Austin, TX
These are wonderful shots! The last shot is priceless!
the last one is one to cherish.....a beautiful day am sure:)
Hehe ... and those are very nice pieces of a$$ indeed. ;) The horses, and indeed the whole ceremony, looked great. Thanks for sharing. :) I always liked going to Change of Commands (but I'm weird like that). It's one of the many things I'm finding that I miss now that I'm out of the Army.
Since I don't think I've mentioned it, Chance ("meow") and I are living in Houston, TX now. (I left the Army to get married - he loves his job far more than I loved mine - but I'm finding there are a lot of things that I miss about it.)
Your children are growing so much! Thanks for sharing that with us, as well - it's really neat to see. :)
--Debbie
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