Posted on 11/08/2001 6:49:59 PM PST by An Old Man
Special memories of the CHIEF who was a great source of encouragement to a Recon Mom!
Oh Country! My Country. These words I write
for men left in Viet Nam tonight.
I say they're men, because in war,
boys become men and nevermore
will they see this world through the eyes
of the very young. They've aged. Their cries
heard by mothers in the night,
as dreams relive a bloody fight.
They left as children, hearts aglow.
Adventure awaited. How could they know
until they were thrust into the arms
of that greedy war? No good luck charms
protect them now. They became afraid
Adventure revealed its masquerade.
They watched their friends as one by one,
they fell. They fell. Their war was done.
They saw faces, nameless, in every leaf
of that jungle's trees, and through their grief,
hatred turned their hearts to stone
and they felt they must fight on alone.
They were killed they were maimed, but heard the call,
no pity now for those who fall,
just a desperate will to stay alive.
Their hatred helped them to survive.
My Country, you did this to your Favorite Son;
then you left him with his war unwon.
They were captured. Some died. And some came come
to leers and jeers. They hadn't known
no one would care, or feel their pain.
Someday, Lord, may we right this shame.
I would like to extend a world of thanks to every Viet Nam Vet, but on this USMC birthday, and up until Thangsgiving Day, THIS IS Viet Nam for me and mine. It is the birthday that many, many of us will never forget and the Thanksgiving turkey dinner we have chosen not to have.
I so appreciate the posts from those who were not Marines. Birthday greetings from all Marines are expected and respected in a special way.
I celebrated my first Marine Corps Birthday while at Parris Island in the '40s. It would be very difficult to describe the inner thoughts and feelings of Marines regarding "their" birthday.
Have had the privilege and honor of celebrating the Birthday in more climes and places, including the midst of combat, than I care to recall. Every one has been special. It is the social event of the year at every command, worldwide.
Tomorrow, at every Marine command, and I especially think of those in the Arabian Sea, on every ship that has Marines embarked, there will be a cake and a formal celebration. The senior officer present will cut the cake with a saber and present the first and second pieces of cake to the oldest and youngest Marine present. The message from the Commandant will be read and a toast proposed with whatever beverage is at hand (even coffee). It's a wonderful tradition.
God bless the United States of America!
God bless the United States Marines!
God bless every member of the armed services of the United States!
Let's just say it went over well with the family.
All the best, fellow "Juggies" (that's what we called ourselves in the Viet era)
Batavia - 27Jul66 - 26Jul68, two year enlistee who got stuck with a damned leap year day. Screwed up the shorttimer's calendar.
MOS 0331
I know I'm a grunt, but ya gotta love the Jarheads (uppercase on purpose).
5.56mm
Anybody got a copy of the poem "Blues in the Attic" laying around? If not, I think I can scrounge it up - - it's up in my attic somewhere. (Sheesh.)
Anyways, Happy Birthday Marines, and Semper fidelis.
0311
USMC
Regards,
LH
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