UPDATE: There will be a replay at 5:56pm EST today on CSPAN - please watch! I hope they play the entire broadcast
during the veteran's day ceremonies at arlington today, bush appeared drawn and haggard. his demeanor was one of distraction and disinterest.
after a brief speech that was politely received, the band began to play for the "retiring of the colors".
as the last flag left the parade grounds, the band abruptly stopped playing. on the platform, bush looked around for a minute, reached down and retrieved his speech, then left the podium. after he had left the stage, the announcer came over the loudspeaker and stated that the ceremony was concluded and would the audience please remain while the president left the grounds. the only problem was...
the president had
already left the grounds!
long after bush had exited, the band then began to play the pomp and circumstance music meant to accompany the long gone "commander-in-chief" - leaving only awkward exiting of the remaining guests. bush did not greet or acknowledge any of the honorees on the stage before, during or after the ceremony.
the coverage should be repeated on c-span throughout the day - if anyone else out there watches, please tell me if you had the same reaction as i - that something was dreadfully amiss today.
i've never seen such as this on any previous recognition of Veteran's day!