The Real Reason for the Freedom Salute

I'm going to admit that I was wrong...again...kinda. I posted about the Freedom Salute in October and sort of got up on my high horse about the purpose behind the presentation. At the time, I was a bit miffed that the Freedom Salute was being touted as primarily a recruiting and retention program and according to the Freedom Salute website that is still the main purpose(which, ok, whatever, but I still think it would sound much less selfish on the Army's part and much nicer to say the main purpose is to thank the soldiers and famlies). That being said, it was definitely one of the nicest presentations I've ever seen.

Each soldier that was honored received a flag in a beautiful flag case with a plague and coin, a separate coin, and a certificate in a leather folder with the "I Am The Guard" printed on the inside. Each soldier also chose to represent several people that they felt went above and beyond supporting them while they were deployed. Those people, which mainly consisted of spouses and parents, received lapel pins or a medal and coin. (Stonewall chose to honor me and a business that became his employer after the deployment. During the deployment though, this business gave so much to Stonewall to help make his deployment easier.) The children of the honored soldiers received several items as well.

There were also several guest speakers who thanked the soldiers as well as the families, friends, and employers that supported the soldiers during their deployments.

All in all it was a very moving and outstanding event for the soldiers and their families. The Freedom Salute not only honors the troops, but those who supported them while they were serving overseas. I can understand why this particular event would help the recruiting and retention of the Guard. The Freedom Salute shows the soldiers and their families that their sacrifices are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.