Another Memorial Day Posting!!

[ranchwife]

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student,
> pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has
> a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to
> be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and
> roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mm howizzitor. He is 10 or
> 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working
> or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.
>
> He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field
> strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can
> recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and
> use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can
> apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or
> stop until he is told to march.
>
>
> He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without
> spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of
> fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens
> full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but
> never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own
> clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water
> with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition
> with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
>
> He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like
> they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that
> is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the
> pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering
> and death then he should have in his short lifetime.
>
> He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
> Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration
> with his blood. And we have woman over there in danger,
> doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls
> us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. A short lull,
> a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.......
>
> He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them.
> He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat
> and is unashamed. He feels every note of the Na tional Anthem vibrate
> through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning
> desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand,
> remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out,
> far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
>
> Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying
> the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the
> American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
>
>
>
>

[Juan]

This is so true and hard to read without getting a big lump in your throat.
Thanks for posting it Ranchwife.

[Jinglebob]

Ditto what Juan said.

[Hanta Yo]

What can I say?? YUP!