Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Zumer | Recipients of the Order of St. Maurice award stand during the presentation ceremony at...... read more read more
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Good food, elegantly clad ladies and distinguished speakers usually make for an unforgettable evening, and the 2010 Annual Infantry Ball held at the Louisville Crowne Plaza Hotel Thursday, Nov. 4, was no exception. More than a thousand people came together for a night that had its share of fun, prizes and games to be sure, but more importantly, recognized the past and continuing importance of the infantry branch to the modern battlefield.
The event was hosted by the National Infantry Association, Fort Knox Chapter, but it wasn’t held solely for the benefit of the infantrymen of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. One common denominator that brought everyone together for the evening was a healthy respect and admiration for “The Queen of Battle,” otherwise known as the infantry. Their time-honored legacy of doing the difficult and unpleasant work that has to be done is a well-earned one, according to Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley, Fort Knox commanding general, who served as the night’s keynote speaker.
“Infantry led the way on Omaha Beach,” said Freakley, who used his comments to speak on the importance of the foot soldier throughout American history. He cited examples of the 20th Maine Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg, and the U.S. Army Rangers during the Normandy Invasion as prime instances where the American infantryman distinguished himself in combat. Whether it was a bayonet charge that turned the tide at Gettysburg, or scaling impregnable fortifications to get at the Germans on D-Day, Freakley noted the infantry’s importance, then and now, in inspiring others.
“The infantry infuses the fighting spirit in the Army,” he said.
While Freakley’s comments provided historical background for the importance of the infantry, the military pageantry of the evening lent a visual perspective. Col. Christopher Toner, commander of 3/1, presided over the posting of the colors at the formal beginning of the Infantry Ball. Toasts were made for the benefit of distinguished guests and fellow comrades, including those who couldn’t attend. Specifically honored were fallen comrades from past and present conflicts who had paid the ultimate sacrifice so others could enjoy the benefits of freedom. The round of toasts concluded by acknowledging the ladies in attendance, many of whom looked resplendent in their evening gowns.
After the dinner meal was served and eaten, Freakley was joined by Toner in honoring recipients of the Order of St. Maurice, where membership is reserved for those who have served the infantry with significant distinction. The award is named after St. Maurice, a Christian who had served in the Roman Army, and who was executed along with his men for refusing to participate in pagan rituals that ran counter to their beliefs.
Freakley and Toner also used the evening to recognize several ladies with the Shield of Sparta award, which is given to spouses who have made a significant contribution to the infantry mission. The award symbolizes the sacrifice and commitment of the infantry spouse, and notes the courage needed to send their infantryman into harm’s way.
Toner helped bring the Infantry Ball to its formal end as he presided over the retiring of the colors by the color guard, but that hardly marked the end of the evening. Indeed, for some it was merely the beginning as couples took to the dance floor for some late-evening entertainment. Mission accomplished on at least two fronts as far as some were concerned; a good time and recognizing a good cause.
“It was fun,” said Spc. Tasha Hunt, an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3/1.
The food was great, and the traditions and military ceremonies visible served to deepen her knowledge of the Army, especially the importance of the infantry, said Hunt.
That importance, featured in the infantry slogan of “Follow me,” is even more relevant today, as the most distinguished guest of all had repeatedly stressed to the many proud infantrymen present.
“We’re counting on you today just as America has always counted on the infantry,” said Freakley.
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2010 19:02 |
| Story ID: | 59682 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 327 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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