Orders

Most people can recall the first time they received orders. They usually came from parents who gave direct commands, and those commands were to be followed. “Don't cross that road without holding my hand; Stop hitting your brother (or sister); If you keep doing that, your face will get stuck that way” and the like were constantly given by those who were in charge. Some of those orders were kept willingly, and other times when orders were not kept, enforcements were made. (Who can ever forget those “enforcement” times?) Nonetheless, orders were given, and orders were to be followed, and no one knows that better than the military personnel of the United States of America.

One of the best known parts of the military, even to civilians, is that orders are given from higher ranking individuals within the military. From the Sergeant to the Private, from the General to the Colonel orders are given, and without exception, they are to be followed. Unlike the small child who occasionally rebels against his or her parents, insubordination is not tolerated. Brig time, court-martial, or dismissal with a dishonorable discharge may be implemented for those who do not follow orders.

But why have orders? Why not allow everyone to direct themselves? Why not have each person within the military draw up their own plans, their own strategies, and their own way of doing things? Because as one army man put it, “To fail to plan is to plan to fail.” Lives are at stake. Lands are at stake, and liberties are at stake, and orders are used to protect and preserve. Gratitude in it's highest regard is to be extended to those who give and take orders today. Thank you to those who serve, obey, lead and protect the values that have made this country great for many, many years.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Marching

“Hup, two, three, four. Hup, two, three, four. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side. Hup, two, three, four. Hup, two, three, four” For those who have enjoyed or endured the privilege of marching in a military unit, those phrases can either be favorable or haunting. There is just something about the regiment and discipline that is required in marching that represents conformity, unity and company spirit. Marching not only prepares, but is symbolic of the trait necessary to accomplish missions.

For many, one of the most memorable marching units is from the “Gomer Pyle” show. In the introduction of the television success Gomer is shown marching with his Marine unit and occasionally steps offbeat from the others in his group. Sergeant Carter then screams in Gomer's ear to get back into step as the announcer for the shows says, “It's the Gomer Pyle show...” Although there may be those who get out of step in the private world, and others may “march to the beat of a different drum”, those who are in the military know how important it is for each person to be in total cadence and symmetry. Their lives and the lives of those they protect depend upon their uniformity.

Although there are many who promote the idea of individualism, existentialism and personal achievement separate from the group, and to a certain degree that is notable, consideration, praise and honor must be given to those who lay down their own “march beats” to defend those who would rather not walk in alignment with others. To those who make such personal sacrifice, this writer commends, praises and says, “thank you.”

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Salute

In the Al Pacino movie, “Scent of a Woman”, Frank Slade is a blind, cantankerous retired Lieutenant Colonial who in one line comments harshly about a salute that his counterpart Charlie makes when he is given an order. Colonial Slade says, “Next time...snap it out! Thumb to palm, index finger through the little digit, smartly aligned, sharp to the hairline, down! Too many men, far better than you, have executed that courtesy.” Although Colonial Slade could not see, he could sense the careless and flippant manner in which Charlie gave his non-verbal honor. Those who understand the rank and file of the military know the importance of the acknowledgment of superiors. Respect, honor, and regard are not only expected, but are demanded in the military ranks, and the salute is heralded as the manner in which this courtesy is extended.

Today, this writer salutes those who represent the United States of America's Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard. With highest respect and honor the endless giving of yourselves to those you know and do not know must be acknowledged by those who are the beneficiaries of your sacrifice. For those who fight in wars, we salute you. For those who protect our boarders, we salute you. For those who stand post, endure rough terrains, work long arduous hours, fly, endure long boat and submarine rides, are away from family members, deployed to foreign soils, and give of your lives and limbs, we salute you.

With the echoing words from the movie mentioned above, we extend the courtesy of snapping to attention our salute to you today, and we want you to know that what you do does not go unnoticed.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Standing Post

His eyes are heavy, but his job requires it of him. Her legs ache, but the value of others is supreme so she pushes past the pain. The quiet is often unbearable, bus silence keeps the enemy in quandary. The importance of fulfilling the mission has been emphasized, and the intestinal fortitude to be of service drives them to do what not many will do. Those who stand post in the United States armed forces have been trained, they are equipped, and their mental and emotional capacity to continue in their missions is because they lay down their lives for an ideal that reaches beyond personal aggrandizement. They stand post to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

What is it like to stay up all night guarding a certain perimeter just because one is ordered to do so? Who knows the emotions of holding a rifle or other artillery pieces in place just in case enemy forces cross a certain barrier? Who watches the radar screens on a perpetual basis for potential adversarial intrusion, and who readies themselves for affirmative action should the command be given? Who lives, eats, sleeps and dwells in a cylindrical tube under water called a submarine for months at a time just because there may be a need for a nuclear exchange at some point? The answer is simple, and yet brave: the armed forces of the United States of America.

When a person takes the time to really evaluate the commitment, the drive, the courage and passion of those who stand post for this country, there should be nothing but accolades and appreciation. Gratitude should flow from the lips of every civilian who rests under the protection of men and women who put their lives on the line every day. In other words, for those who put their personal interests to the side just to care for the citizens of the Untied States of America, thank you. Your standing post for us does not go unnoticed.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Standing Post

His eyes are heavy, but his job requires it of him. Her legs ache, but the value of others is supreme so she pushes past the pain. The quiet is often unbearable, bus silence keeps the enemy in quandary. The importance of fulfilling the mission has been emphasized, and the intestinal fortitude to be of service drives them to do what not many will do. Those who stand post in the United States armed forces have been trained, they are equipped, and their mental and emotional capacity to continue in their missions is because they lay down their lives for an ideal that reaches beyond personal aggrandizement. They stand post to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

What is it like to stay up all night guarding a certain perimeter just because one is ordered to do so? Who knows the emotions of holding a rifle or other artillery pieces in place just in case enemy forces cross a certain barrier? Who watches the radar screens on a perpetual basis for potential adversarial intrusion, and who readies themselves for affirmative action should the command be given? Who lives, eats, sleeps and dwells in a cylindrical tube under water called a submarine for months at a time just because there may be a need for a nuclear exchange at some point? The answer is simple, and yet brave: the armed forces of the United States of America.

When a person takes the time to really evaluate the commitment, the drive, the courage and passion of those who stand post for this country, there should be nothing but accolades and appreciation. Gratitude should flow from the lips of every civilian who rests under the protection of men and women who put their lives on the line every day. In other words, for those who put their personal interests to the side just to care for the citizens of the Untied States of America, thank you. Your standing post for us does not go unnoticed.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Rest Assured

While children sleep, they guard. While women rest, they protect. While men relax, they watch. Who are these who serve while others take their ease? They are none other that the men and women of the armed forces of the United States of America. Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard members are awake while others are resting, and their silent sacrifice is to be held in high regard and not taken for granted. With solemn gratitude and high respect those who fall under their protection can rest assured as they lay their heads on their pillows tonight.

How horrible would it be to know that at any moment a bomb could detonate overhead? What would it be like to wonder if there would be intruders from foreign lands that might appear at the doorstep before the sun rises in the morning? What would it feel like to wonder if the street that was outside each house would be intact the next day? How would a person sleep if there was the threat of his or her children being taken and pillaged during the night? Fortunately because of brave men and women who protect this country, most do not have to worry or wonder over such things. To these things, this writer bows his head in gratitude.

Thank you, to all the service men and women who give sacrificially every day even if they are not acknowledged. Thank you for all the long nights, hard road trips, difficult conditions, lackluster meals, and arduous circumstances that are endured just to help others rest easy. Thank you for all the hard work, painful memories, physical pain and mental anguish that is withstood whether the recipients thereof recognize it or not. Thank you, from both writer and reader, for helping us to know rest is assured because you give your lives for this country.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Too Much to Gain

One fellow said it like this, “You can run off and leave more than you will ever overtake.” Another said it this way, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Still more refer to it in this manner, “Whatever it is, you will never know until you give it a try.” One supposes that there is ample motivation to continue working toward another venue, a sought after prize, or some sort of goal within these phrases, but is there really too much to gain to stop the process?

What if a person just decides to quit school? Is there too much to gain to quit? Or what if another person decides to quit his or her job and seek another? Is there too much to gain to stop? What if a man or woman is halfway in their travels to the other side of the country? Is there really roads and adventures they will miss? The easy answer is yes, but when does a person really know when he or she should just give it all up and turn a different direction?

Maybe the answer comes in taking the time to survey the results of continuing or stopping. Perhaps if a person enumerated the gains and losses during a non-emotional time, he or she would be better equipped to make a decision. Usually, “I quit” is said in the heat of a passionate moment, and those who have “blown their tops” in those moment usually look back with regrets.

Is there too much to gain, or is there too much to lose? Only those in the valley of decision can evaluate for themselves the consequences of their decisions, and maybe the calmness of just writing it all down will help the process be seen more clearly.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?