BMT Graduation, Lackland AFB



< for quick viewing of fuller sized images, click the "slideshow" link at upper right of screen >


MARCH 2009

In March 2009 we attend Air Force basic training graduation ceremonies ( BMT ) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas. We join the ranks of tens of thousands of families who have a loved one serving in America's Armed Forces. The Air force BMT graduation ceremony is moving & inspiring, even during this cloudy March week when temperatures fall to 42 & a cold rain falls much of the time. Nothing can dampen the spirit, enthusiasm or emotions which flow freely as we celebrate a rite of passage. Our kids become adults in the service of our nation. I hope that these images convey the emotion & energy we feel during 3 hectic days as we're briefly reunited with our loved ones & celebrate their accomplishment.

My wife & I are proud to be Air Force parents & we will fulfill our role to support our troops who serve during difficult and dangerous times. These are proud and inspiring moments as we measure the change in our son and in all of the men & women who stand proud and tall on this important day. If you have a loved one in any of the military branches, be sure to set aside the time to attend their graduations as these are indeed special moments that you will cherish for a life time.

******************

Our lightning-fast San Antonio BMT days give me pause to reflect.

We too-often assert our own individual "rights" without thought or regard for the obligations of citizenship. Free speech & dissent will always be cherished attributes of a free nation. But equally important are respect & citizenship vital ingredients to the character & dignity of our nation. I honor and respect the service and sacrifice our troops make on behalf of our nation.

It would be wise for each of us to pause and reflect before scapegoating one President and calling another a savior. In these difficult & dangerous times we each remain Americans united for a larger cause and a greater good. Our nation speaks and breaths through the dedication, effort, and sacrifice of these citizen warriors who step forward to live a different sort of life while preserving our civilian way of life.

I offer no apology for my attitude because these words & feelings derive from what my wife & I witness & experience during those rainy March 2009 BMT ceremonies. We arrive in San Antonio as individuals who come to watch a son graduate. But we quickly sense the human bond which connects each of us as citizens of an exceptional nation. We will remember forever the larger invisible essence permeating these ceremonies -- youth, committment, and citizenship.

It's time for all Americans to pause before criticizing, reflect before seeking to blame others, and to step back & support both troops and presidents without the pithy conditionalisms which have so characterized our national ethos these many years.

Our troops deserve better from all of us.

*******************************************


Also check out my AFTER BMT gallery which continues the Air Force story which begins here with a BMT ceremony.

Most of the images have additional comments which characterize the BMT graduation experience. They can be accessed by clicking the thumnail and enlarging the image to reveal these comments/reflections.



To those who are heading off to experience their own personal BMT experience, let me offer my congratulations and best wishes to your son/daughter/ husband/wife, brother/sister. It's great to be an American.

Sincere thanks for your visit and all of your kind words-- Barry Liimakka


.