A stirring tribute to those who served their country

In fact, as the old gave way to the new on Gridiron night, the Guard was releasing figures showing that its enrollments were up substantially, that the nation's youths were once again responding to swell ranks depleted by the call to active duty in Iraq.

The Guard released figures showing that it signed up more than 26,000 in the first five months of the fiscal year, a 7 percent increase over projections and the best recruiting performance in 13 years. Congress has authorized Guard levels at 350,000, which officials say is now easily attainable. Current numbers are about 336,000, according to press reports, and in the last months the Guard has kept pace with the Army's active-duty recruitment.

One of those noting the diminishing numbers that evening was World War II veteran Alan Cromley of the Daily Oklahoman. As a Kansas youngster he went off to Europe, was wounded and later served for a short time in the occupation forces before launching a distinguished career as a correspondent and bureau chief. The Gridiron member stood straight and tall as the band played.

All eyes should have been on him. There aren't many like him left.

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Dan K. Thomasson is former editor of the Scripps Howard News Service.