|
SUMTER, S.C. (March 20, 2008) - While many had thoughts of
four-leafed clovers, pots of gold and a cold green beverage, the
4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment and guests enjoyed an
evening of military tradition and socializing at a St. Barbara's
Day Ball at the Sunset Country Club in Sumter March 15.
Lt. Col. Kevin Felix, 4th BCD commander, hosted the event in
celebration of St. Barbara's Day, which is dedicated to the Saint,
who was adopted as the artillery patroness in the 17th Century.
Upon walking through a pair of glass doors, guests were greeted
by the sound of the Fort Jackson, S.C., Victory Band. Guests
mingled throughout social hour until a bugle call gathered everyone
into the dining area.
Guests held their glasses high and toasted to the United States,
the president, Air Force, Army, Field Artillery and fallen
comrades. After a three-course meal, the 82nd Airborne Division All
American Chorus provided entertainment.
Choreographically stomping their beat through the dining room,
the chorus paratroopers performed their first musical selection
with the precision of a drill team both physically and
harmoniously.
They performed several more selections, ending with "God Bless
the USA," made famous by Lee Greenwood. The performance surely
struck a chord in each heart of the room as the chorus stood tall
in their service uniform singing the words so many Americans know
and cherish.
After a standing ovation for the chorus, the evening continued
on.
The guest speaker, Army Lt. Gen. James Lovelace, U.S. Army
Central and Coalition Forces Land Component Command commanding
general, spoke about the "best and the brightest" men and women
serving the country today.
"The team is doing a great job," he said, "Army, Air Force, Navy
and Marines."
He also spoke about the support of local communities, including
his experience in the Sumter community.
"This has been a wonderful opportunity to meet the Sumter
community," General Lovelace said. "What a wonderful, warm and
caring community it is. We need the strength of communities like
Sumter."
The evening then proceeded to traditional ceremonies, including
the St. Barbara and Molly Pitcher awards ceremony.
Several servicemembers were inducted into the St. Barbara
artillery tradition and the Molly Pitcher award was given to Mrs.
Margie Greenlee, which is given to honor the selfless service of
spouses.
"This evening is really about the soldiers and families of the
4th BCD," Colonel Felix said.
He gave some closing comments after the ceremony and invited the
guests to enjoy the rest of the evening socializing and
dancing.
|
