Army Ball

The annual Army Birthday Ball was tonight. And even though I didn't have a date I decided to go anyway. One, I got to go for free; and two, it gave me a reason to play dress up. I've never been to an Army Ball before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As one of my friends described it, it's kinda like Prom for adults. And it kinda was. It started out like most military functions- Posting of Colors, National Anthems (both Japan's and America's), etc. Then they did the Streamer Ceremony. This was new to me, and I can't really explain how it all works. But basically they go through the history of the Army and connect these streamers/ribbons to the Army flag after each time period. I'll admit, I was a little lost then. After the Welcome Remarks and Invocation, they The Toast. This was new to me too. Every one's place setting included a wine glass and each table had a bottle of red and white wine. You pour yourself some wine and then do these toasts. No, I didn't drink the wine. I didn't even like the smell of it. And according to everyone else at the table it wasn't that great anyway. But anyway, the made a toast to the Prime Minister of Japan, the President of the United States of America, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (the Japanese Army), the United States Army, Our Fallen Comrades, and then finally the Ladies. I found the toast for the Fallen Comrades really interesting. They have a table set for one, with no one sitting there, that represents those who have fallen in combat, who are MIA, prisoners of war, etc. And they go through all the different symbolisms of this table, followed by a moment of silence. I don't remember what each thing symbolized, but I thought it was really neat and a great way to honor those who weren't able to be there. After all the Toasts, the Army Band played the USARJ (US Army Japan) March and the Army song. So that was all in the first 45-60 minutes. It was a lot of sit down, now stand up, sit back down, now stand back up. Finally we were able to start eating and the entertainment started. The first thing they had was a Tuna Cutting Show. For those who don't know, Japan has the biggest fish market in the world, and it's actually not too far from here in Tokyo. But basically this team of chefs brought in this big tuna, and cut it up for us. Then of course it was served to each table.

I know these aren't the best pics. They had us at the table in the back corner and it was kinda dark in the ballroom. But that's a pic of them cutting the tuna of the big screen. It's really kinda cool and interesting how they cut it up. It's huge and in maybe half an hour they had the whole thing cut up and served. Amazing!

The final result! It's called Sashimi, and basically it's just raw fish. I didn't try any. I'm not a big fan of fish to begin with. But raw fish?! Yeah, I'll pass on that.

This was my dinner- Chicken Cordon Bleu, carrots and potatoes. It was actually really good. The carrots had some kind of honey glaze which was alright, but over all I was pleased. Could have had a little more food, but I have to remember that servings in Japan are smaller than those of the States. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

After dinner, the entertainment started with Taiko. Those are the drums that the Japanese play. I think that was the first time I had actually seen a Taiko performance in person. It was really cool! I don't know how else to really explain it. I'm sure you could find some videos on YouTube if you wanted to check it out. Then after they performed, a group called Ko-La performed. It's a group of 3 girls from Korea who play classical music on electric instruments (violin, flute, and cello). They were pretty good, but I was ready for them to be done after a few songs. Sorry, didn't get any pics of them. After they performed, they had the Cake-Cutting Ceremony, followed by the Guest Speaker. SMA (Ret) Jack L. Tilley came and spoke. He was the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army and served in the Army for 36 years. He served in Vietnam, was at the Pentagon on Sept. 11th, and really just accomplished a lot in his career. You know, I did pretty good through out the evening when it came to not having Ben there, until the end of his speach. He was talking about how we all have our parts to do in the Army, and then asked us to close our eyes and listen. They then played the song "I'm Already There" by Lonestar. The version where they have the wives and families talking about their family members who are deployed. Yeah, I couldn't help but start crying then. That song makes me cry anyway, but to be there without my husband who is actually deployed was almost a little too much. I know he'll be home next month, but I still miss him. But anyway, I'm glad he played that at the end, and that I had put some kleenex in my purse (not for that reason, but it worked). So then they had the Closing Remarks, Benediction, and Retirement of the Colors. They had a dance afterwards, but that's when I left. I didn't have anyone to dance with and I was starting to get a headache anyway.

All in all it was a fun night. And I learned some new stuff. We've been in the Army for 4 years now, and I'm still learning new stuff. I met some new people, and got to catch up with others. It was fun to get out and get all dressed up. Ben called just after I got home and we talked for a bit. He asked if I'd go again. I'd go again, but not without him. It's kinda awkward being there without a soldier on my arm. But it was worth it.

Just a few more pics. This is an ice sculpture they had at the entrance. It has the US Army Japan logo I guess you call it, along with all the different logos for all the units stationed here. I'm sure there's another name for them, but it's late and I can't think of them now.

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without pictures of me. I should have taken pics before I left, but seeing how I'm living here alone, it makes it kinda hard. It's been raining so it's all humid which makes my hair not so cooperative and you just start sweating when you go outside so my makeup didn't look that great, but oh well. I ordered my dress online, and it got here Monday night. I tried it on, and it fit in the waist but the chest was like 3 sizes too big. So I took it down to the alterations shop Tuesday and just got it back this afternoon. They did a great job, despite how busy they were this week. It fit great! I got so many compliments tonight. It's so fun feeling all pretty. What a fun night!