Army, Shartley and all others....

[banzaimf]

something I wrote to a list I was on 3 years ago

I reflect back on the last 4.5 years of my life and the time spent in the US Navy and the things that I saw that make me so proud to have served. As I stood in formation at the American Cemetery near Cambridge and I looked over the acres of crosses and Stars of David I felt proud to be in the uniform of my countries military and to serve as they did. Albeit, not at the cost. It was a sunny June day. 50th V-E Day. I was in my dress blues. hot and sweating, but proud. I stood there with members of all branches as the Vice President walked past on his way to the stage. We marched off and got to relax for a while. After Mr Gore's speech came the flying formations. A B-17 and to Spitfire's. A tear welled in my eye. Then the F-15's came through and did a missing man formation. I started to tear up in both eyes. The taps being played on a trumpet along with the 21 gun salute from the cannon on the far end of the cemetery started me sobbing.
This past summer I was in DC and I went to Arlington. I walked through seeing tributes to heroes and I was proud to have served. I saw my old boss. Admiral Micheal J Boorda, a man who commited suicide rather than disgrace the uniform he wore, and I teared. I stood at attention as a funeral procession passed me. A gentleman in his 70's saluted me as I stood there at attention wearing short and a t-shirt. I was proud. I made it over to the Vietnam Memorial that day. I looked at it and I started tearing up again. I got to the middle and looked behind me and saw the placque put in by a group of Harley Davidson riders from Wisconsin as a tribute to their fallen brothers-in-arms and I started to cry. I kneeled in front of that wall and I reflected on all those who I had known that had came back from there in body but not in mind. My uncle who had not been able to take the nightmares anymore. Others who had found different escapes. I wrote a tribute to them and left it there. I don't know what it said... other than it was what my heart told me. I love my country and I am proud to have served it.

I propose a toast to all of our friends who are here and to all of our friends who aren't.... May we never forget either.


banzaimf

[Army]

We don't do it for the money. We don't do it for the recognition. We don't do it for shiny bits of metal pinned to ribbons.


We just do it. For, if not us....who?


Military service means you give up most of your essential liberties. You are no longer a citizen, but a Soldier who must live by a set of rules and laws seperate from the rest of civilization. You live away from home, sometimes you don't see sunlight for months (Bless those who wear the Dolphins), sometimes you don't see dirt for months, sometimes you don't see water for weeks, sometimes the food is good, sometimes you get enough sleep, sometimes the orders make sense, sometimes your buddies die, sometimes you save a life, sometimes you are chosen for an award, sometimes you go home with but one ribbon, sometimes hero's are made, sometimes the shame is too much to bear, sometimes you lose the war, sometimes people hate you for what you do, sometimes people praise you for what you do, sometimes you are afraid to be a Soldier, sometimes you are warm enough on a cold night, sometimes you are the loneliest person on earth....

But at all times, you are proud to be a Soldier.

For if not us...who?

[Eagle]

Horah Dolphins, and you always see dirt, where it comes from after 6 months under water is one of the great mysteries of my profession. And you see water, just walk into the head and look at the deck, someone has always left the toilet running.

But at all times, you are proud to be a Sailor.

[oldsoldier]

thanks all. Army is right, you do it for something inside you. I was activated sept 20th, was national guard up until then (did 3 yrs active before that). Being in the reserve, in my opinion, is the most you can give the country. I had a whole 3 days from my alert until i was on a bus. Within that time, I had to move out of my apt, write letters to creditors, inform my work, say goodbye to freinds and family...the list goes on (thanks for all that you did mom). It was the hardest thing to do...yhou have no idea what its like to be a civilian one day, then activated and deploying out 3 days later, until you've experienced it. Dont get me wrong...serving active duty is no cakewalk. But, you can be ready to go alot sooner and easier than being a civilian.
Man, I forgot my point! Well, let me say this; if you have the opportunity to servc; do it. You will always look back on those memories fondly. And, you feel a certain pride during times like this.
Oh yeah, women love the uniform too! Sorry, couldnt be completely serious!

[spazzed]

I'm not in the service (Thinking about it) & everytime I see the flag, or see some of you guys, the missing man, hear taps, the anthem. Every Single Time, I well up with pride, and want to cry because of it. The majority of the males in my family before me have served... I have nothing but the utmost respect for any of them, and any of you. What am I trying to say?... I don't know. Hell, you guys are the greatest. Keep doing what you do & never stop being proud for what you've done. You earned it.

[shartley]

spazzed
My Wife read through AO last night (as she does often) and she read your Thread. The thanks you and said it was very nice. She would have told you herself, but she does not have an account here on AO (LOL Lucky for some here. ) but she does come into the chat room at times.

Just thought I would pass that on to you. :)

[spazzed]

Shartley

Tell her I appreciate the kind words:)