National Guard sendoff: A heartbreaking day for hundreds
As "The Star-Spangled Banner" sounded out, men and women dressed in camouflage stood still as they saluted their flag in the Geneseo Armory.
The crowd watched, some humming or singing along, in this final, formal send-off for their loved ones who are on their way to Afghanistan.
As the song started to fade, a woman's choking sob broke the quiet. She was standing alone, in the back of the room. Pregnant. A woman a few feet away walked over and gave her a hug, the two holding onto each other, consoling each other.
The mood Saturday at the armory, the scene of the A1208 National Guard Infantry's deployment, alternated between a picnic and a wake. There was coffee and donuts, sandwiches and soda. Some soldiers were promoted and the crowd cheered heartily for them. A large group gathered outside the armory, setting up lawn chairs and food. If not for the uniform, it looked like a scene from a park.
Yet a heaviness weighed over the day. It was visible in how people scrambled to touch their loved ones after the soldiers had stood for an hour during the ceremony. It could be seen as men clutched their babies and children close and sweethearts hugged and whispered quiet words in a corner.
src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZTTW0jqas5o" width="425" height="350" scale="ShowAll" loop="loop" menu="menu" wmode="transparent" quality="1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>And it was obvious when families stood next to their soldiers, posing for one last picture together. There were smiles, but lots of tears. The ceremony was as much for the soldiers as it was for the families. Speakers tried to temper fears with prayers and calls for peace and protection for the soldiers. "And God we pray also that you comfort and protect ... all those they leave behind," said the Rev. Mark Lattime. When they can, loved ones should try to get in touch with soldiers, said Lt. John Shannon. "Let them hear from you. They need that. They need to know you're still there," Shannon said. "They love you very much and they are extremely proud of you." Many in the crowd seemed to have a vacant stare. A number have been here before and know what the next 12 months have in store, as this is the troop's second deployment. They'll spend two months in training and 10 in Afghanistan. Those 12 months mean missing birthdays, a baby's first steps, home. On the side of the room, three huge cakes decorated in red, white and blue frosting read: "Happy Birthday and Best Wishes to All Our Soldiers." Some soldiers presented flowers to loved ones. All gave out small American flags. "Please give them to your families and let them know ... you guys are something to be proud of," said Sgt. First Class Todd Strelow of Geneva. As the ceremony ended, a child's wail rose above the applause, growing louder and louder. No doubt it captured what the hundreds were feeling as they prepared to bid their loved ones goodbye. <em>Colleen M. Farrell can be reached at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 265, or at cfarrell@mpnewspapers.com.