Posted on 11/15/2011 4:02:39 PM PST by NohSpinZone
To all my family, friends and fans - I'm writing this out to all of you after attending an event that turned out to be one of the most moving evenings I've ever had...
I had the honor and privilege last night of attending The Basic School Instructor Battalion 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Greater Richmond Convention Center with Corporal Kelsey DeSantis...
I knew I would have an evening that I wouldn't forget... Something I could tell my friends about. What I didn't know was how moved I would be by the whole experience.
(Excerpt) Read more at justintimberlake.com ...
Very impressive.
Leon Uris painted a vivid picture of this ball in my head I’ll never forget.
It was very good. Yes, more in show business need to acknowledge these fine men and women. I’m glad to see Timberlake accepted the youtube invite. It sounds like he got much more out of it than he ever expected. Nice to see his article today.
There was a time...in the days of Bob Hope and the USO tours, the entertainment of the troops and the vistis to the front lines by celebrities was enthusaistically supported and expected. It still means as much to them as it ever did.
So true and sad how anti-military Hollywood has gotten since Vietnam.
he was/is a great scifi writer.
Battle Cry? Its been so long I can’t remember.
He was one of the best, and devoted to our Marines.
He seemed kinda lefty in a lot of stuff after The Haj... but he was a storyteller non-pareil.
It was his last book. Hell, I could look it up, I guess brb.
O’Hara’s Choice! ‘03
Thx. I didn’t know he was still alive that recently.
My son is a Marine in Oki. I asked him how the Marine Ball went. He said it was like the High School prom all over again.
He was never one for many words. LOL.
Say what you will about his music, but JT is one talented guy. What a good guy...
Seems a Marine made an excellent choice.
His date, winning an MMA fight: http://bcove.me/cl9143p9
Justin may turn out alright after all.
Those who have never spent a day in the uniform of their country will NEVER begin to comprehend the special lifetime bond that exists between servicemen and women for each other and for this country. It can’t be explained in words, songs, movies or anything else.
Even though, as a Vietname veteran, I was treated like crap by my country when I came back, the bond with those in my squadron is as close as it ever was. And, for me, I’m glad that I did it. It’s an experience that I will never forget.
NOTE - PLEASE!! Before you thank me for my service - DON’T. It means nothing to me. I am just too emotionally scarred by the treatment I got afterward to care. I don’t speak for any other Vietnam vet but myself. Others appreciate your thanks and I appreciate you thanking them.
I am not as averse to the praise as you are but I don't feel particularly worthy. My 20 years were across a window where most of us were not particularly at risk. I almost feel I got a free ride since world events and domestic politics greatly limited my personal exposure. I won't thank you for your service but I am deeply grateful for your comment - you add a perspective that is not often enough present in the discussion. I thank you for your understanding a viewpoint that is missing from too many conversations.
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