Posted by
Brian Peters on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 10:02:48 PM
Yes, my chest swells with pride this day, as it should. Yes, I still get those 'goose bumps' and a shot of adrenalized pride shooting up my spine when I hear the Marine Corps Hymn. Speaking of Hymn's, I want to share this with you dear reader. This past weekend, there was a very large and successful Art Festival in Pensacola in the down town square. Fish wrapper said about 100,000 people showed up over the 3-day event. Sunday afternoon, I was milling about (smartly) awaiting for my better half and her group to do a few traditional and non-traditional dances. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra was prepping to start their show at 1p.m., I was engrossed in trying to figure out the texture of a dimensional black and white painting. Their show started with a few shorts blurts of various musical instruments and then the National Anthem of the United States of America began to play. I was standing next to an 'adult beverage' stand (I guess it goes with art), people were talking, laughing, looking around themselves at stuff, okay, art. I was listening to the distinct melodies of the National Anthem, made me feel good inside. At about 'the Twilights last gleaming', I noticed the guy next to me looking in the direction of the Orchestra, so I stopped. stood at attention, and faced and listened. Then I saw the crowd over by the Orchestra, standing. Then all around me everyone began to stop and stand and face the music, like a ripple in a pond. Silence. I heard only the music. No one was talking, no one laughing, or carrying on. It was just the music, our National Anthem. I was in awe, I felt pride. Here, among what I would stereotype as a liberal bastion of artsy, leftist, types......all paid respect to the National Anthem being played. Then at the conclusion, "....home of the brave." Everyone applauded loudly and cheered. Oh thank you God for that great glimmer of true hope and sunshine among Americans.
None of this would have been possible without the sacrifice of those who we celebrate their birthday today. The U.S. Marine Corps, and it's sister services as well. Marines, as the TV ad says, are a tough and determined few. I read the following from something Brietbart was reporting and I'm copying it here since it is so relative to the today.
“When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of
Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy
them. You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage
your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each
other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure.
Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air
overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the Mission’s
sake, our country’s sake, and the sake of the men who carried the
Division’s colors in past battles – who fought for life and never lost
their nerve – carry out your mission and keep your honor clean.
Demonstrate to the world there is No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy than
a U.S. Marine.” – Major General James N. Mattis. Commander, 1st Marine Division, March 30, 2003, on the eve of crossing into Iraq
I can only add that I am proud today of this Nation's young Marine's for carrying on 234 years of proud tradition. Semper Fi Marines Brian Peters/Sgt USMC '78 -'82.