Today

[firstsgtmike]

TODAY I WENT TO A MARINE'S FUNERAL
By Jay A. Adams
(Clipped, but not edited)

After the church service we followed the procession out to the cemetery. Staff Sergeant Morgan’s flag draped casket was taken from the hearse and the Marine honor guard carried it to its final resting place. The graveside service was solemn. The flag was presented to his young pregnant wife and his four-year-old son.

We again stood at attention and saluted with our hands over our hearts as Taps was played. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble and the sky roared as three giant CH53 Helicopters came into view and flew over the cemetery. I watched as these giant gray machines fly over and I knew they were the same type helicopters that Staff Sergeant Morgan worked, flew and rode
on that final flight. This was the Marine Corps’ final
tribute and honor for this fine young Marine.

I looked up in the sky and in my mind I could see the regiments forming up to greet this newest member to their ranks. There were Marines from battles fought the world over. They came from the decks and the riggings of the Bonhomme Richard. Their trenches of Belleau Wood and the beaches and jungles of the Pacific. There were those who had fought on the snowy ridges of Korea and in the jungles of Vietnam. There were those from
Beirut and the sands of Iraq. Now from the rocky barren plains of Afghanistan come more Marines to be added to the Corps’ hall of honor.

Yes, today I went to a Marine’s funeral. I came away proud to be an American and a Marine.

Semper Fidelis

[ladileathrnek]

Just A Common Soldier
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>
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He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,>
And as he sat around the legion telling stories of his past,>
Of a war he had fought in and the deeds he had done,>
In his exploits with his buddies-they were heroes-every one.

And tho' sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his legion buddies listened, for they new where of he spoke, But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away

And the worlds a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife
For he lived an ordinary quiet and uneventful life,
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't notice his passing, tho a soldier died today.

When the politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing and proclaim they were great,
Papers tell their life stories from the time they were young, But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

In the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,
One guy breaks his promises and cons his fellow man,
But the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life.

A politicians stipend and style in which he lives,
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives,
While the ordinary soldier who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago,
That the old Bill's of our country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys.
Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand,>
> Would you want a politician with his ever shifting stand,>
> Or would you prefer a soldier who has sworn to defend,>
> His home, his kin and country and would fight right to the end?
>
>>>
> He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
>> But his presence should remind us we may need his like again,>
> For when countries are in conflict then we find the soldiers part,>
> Is to clean up all the troubles politicians start.
>
>> If we cannot do him honor while he is here to hear praise,>
> Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days,>
> Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,>
> "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY!"
>
>> ~Author Unknown