Radiant ball gowns mixed with crisp dress uniforms as Soldiers and their partners filled the ballroom floor in celebration of the Army's 234th birthday during the Army Birthday Ball at Top of the Bay June 12.
Col. John R. Surdu, chief of staff of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, served as master of ceremonies for the event that began with a receiving line in Top of the Bay's Regimental Room where Maj. Gen. Paul S. Izzo, commander of APG and RDECOM, and RDECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Hector Marin welcomed guests to the celebration.
"As your master of ceremonies for this evening's celebration, I can promise an evening of great entertainment and Army tradition," Surdu said.
The evening featured the posting and retiring of colors by the 143rd Ordnance Battalion color guard, led by Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Campanella and a pageant of military uniforms modeled by members of the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Academy, led by Staff Sgt. James Crews, small group leader.
A solemn invocation that asked for a moment of silent tribute to those serving in harms way by Installation Chaplain (Col.) Ruben Colon opened the ceremony.
Colon offered thanks for their "example of bravery," prayer for the Families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and strength for Army leaders.
"We pray for all the leadership throughout the Army that you continue to guide them as they inspire, mentor and care for its Soldiers during this time of war," Colon prayed.
Bridgette Smith sang the national anthem.
In his remarks, Izzo noted that two Gold Star Families were in attendance and thanked the Aberdeen Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, which purchased tickets for 100 Soldiers and their guests.
"I appreciate all you do for our Soldiers at Aberdeen Proving Ground," Izzo said.
He commented on the trials still facing the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and asked guests to note an insert in the program that highlighted the accomplishments of one 'American Hero' Silver Star recipient Capt. Gregory Ambrosia, for actions taken while engaging the enemy in Afghanistan in 2007.
To honor Ambrosia and Soldiers like him, a set of pewter dog tags were provided at each table setting for guests, Izzo said.
"Think about and remember all the years and all the sacrifices of our Soldiers," Izzo said.
The ceremony included traditional toasts and the cutting of the Army Birthday cake by Izzo, Marin and the evening's youngest Soldier.
In addition, Surdu drew guest's attention to the Table of Remembrance near the ballroom floor.
"This table is set in remembrance of all who paid the supreme price for the freedoms we all share," Surdu said, "those Killed In Action, Missing in Action and Prisoners of War who have yet to return."
The table, symbolizing the frailty of POWs, held the traditional white tablecloth for purity of intentions; a single rose for Families; a yellow ribbon for MIAs and POWs; a slice of lemon, "to remind us of their bitter fate;" salt for the Families' tears; an inverted glass for "those who are not in attendance" and an empty chair as a reminder that "they are not here."
"Remember all of you who served with them and call them comrades; who depended upon their might and aid and relied upon them, for surely they have not forgotten you," Surdu said. "We will always remember them."
Surdu closed the formal part of the program with special thanks for organizations that supported the event as well as Top of the Bay staff and the RDECOM and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation planning teams.
As music filled the room and guests moved to the dance floor, several commented on the festivities.
"This was a wonderful, patriotic event," said Bill Seccurro, chairman of the Harford County Chamber of Commerce as he escorted his wife Kay.
Command Sgt. Maj. Pedro Rodriguez, APG Garrison, added his thanks to AUSA.
"If you look around there's about two-hundred Soldiers," Rodriguez said. "It was so nice of AUSA to donate one-hundred tickets. We're very grateful for their support of our Soldiers and their Families."
The narrator for the uniform pageant, Sgt. Thomas Benton, a BNCOC student from Fort McPherson, Ga., said he was particularly proud of his fellow Soldiers.
"I think it went extremely well. They had a great turnout and the pageant could not have gone better," he said.
Maj. Greg Billings, U.S. Air Force Reserve and a lawyer with the 20th Support Command (CBRNE), said he attended in his dress uniform as a show of camaraderie. He and his fiancAfAe Pauline
Thorndike said they enjoyed the pageantry of the event.
"It was wonderful from start to finish and we were delighted to be here," he said.
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