The Germans could never see us, crouched low, eyes just
above the grass. They were looking, too, scanning the French countryside for
the inferior Americans they would kill if had a chance. Oh, we were scared,
petrified. If the Germans didn’t kill us my mother would have if we destroyed
her award winning azaleas.
That was the extent of my combat experience, child’s
play, picking who would be a sergeant, corporal, or general. Born in 1960 I had
the luxury of not being thrusted into the fighting. I did reach eighteen in 1978, the
first year the government reinstated signing up for the draft. I remember going
to the post office with high school buddies to sign the card. I certainly
wasn’t worried about paying the ultimate price for my country. I was going to
be an opera singer.
Today, I do understand the ultimate price, dying, never
to see your wife, your children grow up, your brother who protected you, the
sister who gave you the girls point of view, the grandparents who spoiled you,
the uncle who took you fishing, the aunt who when getting off the bus you ran
to, anticipating the present, the father who instilled “never say can’t”, “never
quit”, “suck it up”, “shake it off”, or the mother who’s azaleas did get "me" in
a heap of trouble.
Today, let’s thank those who are serving, Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and The National Guard.
Hell, if you use Right
Guard, today, I’m thanking you.
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