oldswabbie
05-24-2008, 08:23 AM
A Memorial Day Message from OldSwabbie
On October 13th, 1775 The Continental Congress adopted a resolution announcing the formation of a Navy – the Continental Navy which would become the United States Navy. From its humble beginnings with 3 schooners to the nuclear powered fleet of today the United States Navy is the most power Navy that has ever sailed the oceans of the World.
Over the years as the United States grew from a fledgling nation into a superpower its military forces exploits fill libraries. The United States Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard all have been instrumental in the liberation of millions of people across the world in numerous wars and conflicts.
As we reflect back upon so many years and so many accomplishments as a nation we must look back at the sacrifices of the men and women that made it possible. President Lincoln while delivering the Gettysburg address seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the human cost of the battle. His speech was very short, shorter than most. He said”
“We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
It is the same here. Words will fall short, far short of their intended meaning. Only a grateful heart bursting with pride for our Country and all she stands for, the freedom that she promises. Our Military is the instrument of which the President executes foreign policy when all else fails. We obey our orders, we fight the battles and we tend the wounds of brothers and bury our dead. We liberate and free the oppressed. We return the smiles of little children while dutifully standing guard. We are masters of the jungle and desert. We command the seas and ensure they are free. We rule the skies over the earth and the bottom of the sea. We are United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines & Coast Guard. We do not fail. We will forever protect the United States of America with our lives.
You who are now preparing to enter the service of your Country. The costs that have been paid have been high, they have been paid in blood. The blood of Patriots. From the first sailor who raised his hand in oath back in 1775 until now when you go to MEPS - you stand in line of a long Naval tradition. It is an Honor to serve, not a Right, an Honor. Remember all those who came before you, turn, salute and carry on. You are part of a proud Naval heritage. These are not just words, they are indeed as solid as the ground you stand upon. John Paul Jones was a hero - he was a Naval Officer in the Service of the United States Navy. His body is interred at the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Such men as these are who you are following.
We are proud of you, we honor them.
And May God Bless the United States of America and all its Servicemen and Women
OldSwabbie
On October 13th, 1775 The Continental Congress adopted a resolution announcing the formation of a Navy – the Continental Navy which would become the United States Navy. From its humble beginnings with 3 schooners to the nuclear powered fleet of today the United States Navy is the most power Navy that has ever sailed the oceans of the World.
Over the years as the United States grew from a fledgling nation into a superpower its military forces exploits fill libraries. The United States Navy, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard all have been instrumental in the liberation of millions of people across the world in numerous wars and conflicts.
As we reflect back upon so many years and so many accomplishments as a nation we must look back at the sacrifices of the men and women that made it possible. President Lincoln while delivering the Gettysburg address seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the human cost of the battle. His speech was very short, shorter than most. He said”
“We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
It is the same here. Words will fall short, far short of their intended meaning. Only a grateful heart bursting with pride for our Country and all she stands for, the freedom that she promises. Our Military is the instrument of which the President executes foreign policy when all else fails. We obey our orders, we fight the battles and we tend the wounds of brothers and bury our dead. We liberate and free the oppressed. We return the smiles of little children while dutifully standing guard. We are masters of the jungle and desert. We command the seas and ensure they are free. We rule the skies over the earth and the bottom of the sea. We are United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines & Coast Guard. We do not fail. We will forever protect the United States of America with our lives.
You who are now preparing to enter the service of your Country. The costs that have been paid have been high, they have been paid in blood. The blood of Patriots. From the first sailor who raised his hand in oath back in 1775 until now when you go to MEPS - you stand in line of a long Naval tradition. It is an Honor to serve, not a Right, an Honor. Remember all those who came before you, turn, salute and carry on. You are part of a proud Naval heritage. These are not just words, they are indeed as solid as the ground you stand upon. John Paul Jones was a hero - he was a Naval Officer in the Service of the United States Navy. His body is interred at the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Such men as these are who you are following.
We are proud of you, we honor them.
And May God Bless the United States of America and all its Servicemen and Women
OldSwabbie