It was time to say good-bye to 'Army Wives' (Sun., 9PM ET on Life) as Season 5 drew to a close Sunday night.

And it was also time for the characters to bid a sad farewell to life as they know it: The 23rd Airborne Division is being disbanded and Fort Marshall will be closed.

In 'Farewell to Arms,' Season 5 ended with an emotionally charged toast from Major General Michael Holden (Brian McNamara), who told the assembled guests at the ball that "The 23rd does not die with you Rather, it lives on through you. ... It is our legacy. Be proud of it."

['Army Wives' - 'Strategic Alliances']

Watching this episode of 'Army Wives' reminded me of 'Fiddler on the Roof.' Don't laugh; I'm serious. It was that blend of the bitter with the sweet. The joy mixed with sorrow. For fans, most of the show was joyful, although hard reality hovered over the proceedings from start to finish.

After the sadness of Jeremy's death, happiness was expected in the form of Pamela and Chase's wedding. The tribe spoke and they wanted Pamela to have a real wedding, not a quickie "I do" at the courthouse that was what she was contemplating.

['Army Wives' - 'Walking Wounded']

Unlike many shows that deal with death as a passage, a dramatic event that's put behind characters as the show progresses and new story lines are presented, 'Army Wives' has taken a more realistic look at loss.

Tonight was a prime example. The death of Jeremy Sherwood has been a catalyst for emotional turmoil on 'Army Wives,' affecting many characters, not just Jeremy's family, in a variety of ways.

For Denise and Frank, losing their son caused a shift in their relationship. Frank thought he'd bury his grief by returning to theater, but new orders from the Army changed that plan.

['Army Wives' - 'Line of Departure']

It seems like forever since the last episode of 'Army Wives' was on Lifetime. It was actually August 2010, but with characters as strong and interesting as those in the "tribe," it didn't take long to get right back into the drama of their lives.

In fact, after the opening 'catch-up' scene at Denise's, the show jumped right back into the action with the promise of an exciting year ahead.