William Helms: “this morning marked an unmistakably glorious conclusion to the remarkable military career of one of North Carolina's…”

“this morning marked an unmistakably glorious conclusion to the remarkable military career of one of North Carolina's most famous citizens, GEN Henry H. Shelton. It occurred at Fort Myer, VA, with scores of America's best-known leaders--both military and civilian, on hand for the spectacular event. All branches of the armed services participated. The Secretary of Defense, for example, Don Rumsfeld, was there, as was Secretary of State Colin Powell. The marching bands didn't miss a cue or a note. It was splendid, every minute of it, in every detail. General Shelton's farewell remarks were a modest review of the many things he had seen and things he had done in many places around the world. His wife Carolyn's eyes brimmed with tears a few times, a measurement of her pride in, and her love for, her remarkable husband. All in all, it served to make those of us present a bit prouder of our country as we surveyed the troops from all of the services and heard the bands strike up.”