Saturday I attended a birthday party for a man I had never met. One of those parties that is a celebration of life, where friends and family from all over gather as an almost "farewell" gathering. Where the party is more of a sentimental send-off than anything else.

I learned a lot about myself at that party. I saw many of the Old Guard, those who have been fighting battles well before I was born. And I compared them to the bright and shiny, well-organized New Machine, the one that is alive today. I noticed how much I am like the Old Guard, more about principle rather than procedure.

I met many honorable men and women tonight. Those who labored for years and years to create a better world. And I am thankful for them. What an honor to meet them.