Self-Indulgent Blogging

Rachel had short quip the other day about blogging and self-indulgence. Why do we blog? Do we so yearn for recognition of our individuality that we have to be like everyone else? Why is it that while looking at my blog today and noticing that it had been more than a week since my last post, I felt compelled to put something up? Any diagnoses?

On another note, I got up early this morning and went down to the Lima Company homecoming here in Columbus. This Marine Reserve unit was returning from Iraq and had 24 fatalities in the seven months they were there - one of the highest casualty rates of any unit so far. It took the buses more than an hour to drive the 13 miles from the airport to their post because the whole route was thronged with well-wishers. The entire town turned out. The Columbus Dispatch printed "welcome home" signs in this morning's paper. At a number of points, the buses couldn't get through the crowd, despite a massive police escort, because of the crowds spilling over into the road. Schools along the route allowed the students to come out in support, and marching bands greeted them along the way. My Dad was with his VFW Honor Guard, one of several in attendance, where two firetrucks had raised their ladders and hung a giant flag over the street for the buses to drive under. As the buses came by at the end of the route by their post (where I was), the Marines were still shouting, hooting, and waving to the crowd. In my old age, I'm much more sentimental, but I have to admit that the entire scene - everyone wearing ponchos to keep the rain and the cold away - was profoundly moving. Not a dry eye to be found. It gave me hope for America. God bless the Marines of Lima Company and all who are serving to protect our freedom. A special shout-out to my cousin, Rob, who is presently serving at Camp Anaconda just outside Baghdad.