A Touch of Remembrance, a stronger Touch of Patriotism

[solo1]

This morning I did my usual walk around the American Legion parking lot.

Through my headphones my Ipod came up with a series of Sousa marches and I remembered.......

Sixty three years ago, i remembered the day at Camp Pickett when I 'graduated' from six weeks of infantry basic and six weeks of medical basic training.  All of us  were looking forward to the next event,  Passing in review.

As a company we were at parade rest for two hours on a day that was becoming a typical day in Virginia in May, hot and muggy. We were waiting on the general to show up to 'review'  all of the companies in this cycle. A few soldiers dropped due to heat and standing in place, I wasn't one of them.

The general arrived.  The company commander called out 'Tention".   The band struck up the "Stars and Stripes Forever' and we marched in review.   I'll never forget the pride as we marched and the "EYES RIGHT" as we passed the reviewing stand.

Today, I once again remembered.  My feet took up the pace, my shoulders straightened, my head came up, and I, once again, was marching in the service of still the greatest Republic in the world.
Never mind, my aching knees, never mind the years slowing me down, I was once again remembering.

Despite the efforts of politicians, we can still stand tall and proud, all of us, and especially the veterans of all wars.

  If this is perceived by some as a sugar coated effort to justify our problems here, so be it.

In my house, patriotism is still alive and well and I still fly THE FLAG respectfully and proudly!

Wayne, solo1

[old2soon]

Thanks Wayne!  I have the Stars and Stripes on the front of my house. When I get myself going-before coffee-I walk to the end of my sidewalk do an about face and Salute The Colors.  And I thank GOD for Where I reside! A lot of things I learned in the U.S. Navy have stayed with me over the years. Again-Thanks for the reminder Wayne.  RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

Wayne ,l I also served a little over three years in the Army. I was stateside and was in more training than you could imagine.
  We were in during Viet Nam era. 1966 thru 1969. I still have the military memories and am proud to say I am  Veteran ! I am still moved by those songs of patriotism. I still get angry at those who do not show  respect for our flag. They do not have to do anything but stand and shut up. They talk or text during the National Anthem. When I say anything they say they have their rights.

                                               W E L L  
 you are in a different Country. I show respect in other countries when I am there.      

                                     da prez    

[Jess from VA]

Nice read Wayne.  I have always enjoyed John Phillip Sousa.   

I was able to bypass most (not all) serious training on my direct appointment to JAG.  But years later I was tapped to lead one of many squadrons in a three-star retirement.  Someone dropped the ball though and the parade ground was unmowed with 6-8 inch grass.  Not the most stellar marching, but we did our best. 

Somewhat interrupted by a KC-10 flyover so low they had to pull up to clear the tower. 

And when the CC ordered Pass in Review, many of us thought he said Pass in the Nude, but being barked out, you could not be sure. 

[Popeye]

Nice post Wayne.

Not a vet but the Stars and Stripes fly daily at my house.  Have several neighbors who do the same, been that way since 9/11.

Also fly the flag on my bike.