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Thank you for your service to my country
In Memorium, Personal Comments (0)
When I was in high school, my dream was to attend the United States Air Force Academy. I didn’t make that cut (although I was on the waiting list). I ended up joining AFROTC, and that ended up with me washing out because I was honest enough to correct an upperclassman who had inadvertantly lifted a physical fitness test score from failing to passing. I didn’t get to serve my country as I wanted to. I’m not overly proud of the fact that I never got to wear the uniform as a regular member instead of the two years I spent as an AFROTC cadet. I really would have rathered served my time and maybe made a career out of it.
Be that as it may, I have a deep love of my country and an even deeper respect for those who stand their post on my behalf to protect not only my freedoms but every other American’s.
This morning I was privileged enough to read of Marine Lieutenant Colonel Strobl’s account of escorting the remains of Marine PFC Chance Phelps back home in a piece simply called Taking Chance Home. It is one of the most touching and moving things that I’ve ever read. You should read it, too.
Here’s an excerpt:
Most of the remains are taken from Dover AFB by hearse to the airport in Philadelphia for air transport to their final destination. When the remains of a service member are loaded onto a hearse and ready to leave the Dover mortuary, there is an announcement made over the building’s intercom system. With the announcement, all service members working at the mortuary, regardless of service branch, stop work and form up along the driveway to render a slow ceremonial salute as the hearse departs. Escorts also participated in each formation until it was their time to leave.
On this day there were some civilian workers doing construction on the mortuary grounds. As each hearse passed, they would stoop working and place their hard hats over their hearts. This was my first sign that my mission with PFC Phelps was larger than the Marine Corps and that his family and friends were not grieving alone.
We see a lot made out of the death of patriots like Pat Tillman. He did something great, giving up fame and fortune to serve his country quietly and honorably. It is still good to know that any of our brave men or women who lose their lives in the service of our country receive such honorable treatment, no matter their background or celebrity.
And for those who are still serving, thank you for your service to my country.
Hat tip: Dean’s World via Right Voices
MickC @ April 28, 2004