“We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, weare now qualified to do anything, with nothing.”
#1 We don't serve anybody but We the People. Luckily for the other 312 million Americans we don't give a rat's ass about your "respect." The oath is to the Constitution of the United States, not to POTUS.
A few short years ago I could run faster than a 6 min mile and could hike with 120lbs of gear on my back. Now, after four combat tours I have shrapnel in my chest, a broken vertebrae, several bulged discs, severe degeneration, arthritis, bad hips, bad knees, and bad ankles and a blown shoulder; I struggle to do basic things like walk through a grocery store, or up the stairs in my house - standing to make dinner or do the dishes is a chore. Even getting down to hug my children causes intense pain.
But for the Grace of God go I and I count myself fortunate and Blessed, as many of the other young men I knew and served with didn't make it back - as a grown man I now cry every time I hear "Taps" or "amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.
When they do the POW/MIA-KIA ceremony it isn't just nice words spoken and a pretty poem. They revere and hold high our fallen; my friends. I remember their laughter. I remember the goodness of their heart. I remember their camaraderie. Their triumphs and their passing. I know what it is like to be washed in my buddies' blood - to see them put their fellow Marine above their own lives. "Respect?" You know not the meaning of the word.
We didn't volunteer because of any man or any President. Our job, our duty, our commitment to the American people does not end because of who is elected. We do it for the principles this country was founded on; we do it for our families and for millions that will never truly know the price or sweetness of freedom, but they may have it just the same. I say to you if we don't tow the line, who will?
You can take your idea of "respect" and stick it where the sun don't shine and kiss my white ass.
To protect and defend it.....
And yet our 'finest' seem to have no problem saluting the Usurper. Way to go, trooper.
Thank you so much for going. I regret that you have had to suffer but I’m so, so grateful that you and so many others are willing to.
I am moved.
Thank-you for your service.
God bless you, Marine.