In the last post, I talked about the initial part of the Rodeo. I had a GREAT time and the troops and their families loved it too!
While at the Rodeo, all the troops were treated to a free BBQ dinner. They set up a huge tent that held about 500 troops at a time. Dozens of volunteers served the troops with smiles and words of thanks and appreciation. All the troops there were simply glowing at the attention they received and respect being shown to them. Along with the free food was some of the best Apple Pie I’ve had in a LONG time and all the soda we could drink. Naturally, we were also the ONLY service that was forbidden from drinking alcohol on the trip.
(Click on the photos for better view)
After eating, Soldiers were permitted to pretty much do whatever they wanted in the park. But, at 1700, they had to be back at the food tent for movement to a stage near Reliant Stadium for a special presentation. We all massed – all 1500 of us – and moved as a group to the stage (see photo above). The Mayor of Houston read a proclamation that the day, 10 March, be designated military appreciation day and then introduced three Medal of Honor recipients in attendance. I didn’t get video of this, but did take video later at the rodeo of who these heroes were.
Houston Rodeo Honors MOH Recipients from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
The Houston Rodeo recently honored our troops during the Salute to the Troops day on 10 Mar. As part of the ceremonies, three Medal of Honor recipients were treated like royalty and introduced to a packed Reliant Stadium.
After the MOH recipients were introduced, a special group of individuals was marched to the stage. They were young boys and girls, about 30 of them, and obviously didn’t know their left from their right yet as evidenced by the “left, face” order and half went the wrong way. But, these young men and women were there to be sworn in by Major General William Grimsley, acting commanding general of Fort Hood.
After the swearing in, I took the time to shake as many hands as I could and welcome them into the Army. I also thanked them for their service, sacrifice, and courage.
Once the ceremony was over, most of the Soldiers moved into Reliant Stadium for the start of the rodeo and Rascal Flatts concert. Others went into the Livestock show where numerous vendors were set up selling everything from boots to Gator 4-wheelers. There was also a hot tub vendor who was shocked that I began taking off my uniform for a nice dip. My embarrassed aunt and cousins quickly pulled me away. Before the official start of the event, the announcer introduced the Medal of Honor recipients – the video above – and the the colors were unveiled!
Flag Presentation from You Served Radio & Blog on Vimeo.
A unique way of presenting the United States flag at the opening of the Houston Rodeo.
More to follow in part III.
