After the Iraq war, I received an email from a friend asking if I would perform a Catholic burial at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, for a 19-year-old Marine — who also happened to be an only child.
As we were waiting for escorts to take us out to the young man’s gravesite, I noticed a small group of former Marines — who had been his close friends — standing together. These courageous young men were getting little or no recognition from others. The particular crowd that had gathered that day was very much against the American military.
After observing their isolated status for about 10 minutes, I walked over to them. “Gentlemen, thank you for your service,” I said. “So many people are grateful for everything you do. It must be so tough losing a buddy in combat, and my heart and my prayers go out to each of you. God bless all of you.”
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I'm sure to most people, especially the young, think it's just a day off.
ReplyDeleteBeginning of idiot season on the shore. You know, the self entitled vacationers who believe they are first and foremost the most important than anyone else. You'll see them in restaurants, driving on coastal highway, parking in the inlet (REMEMBER YOUR LICENSE PLATE NUMBER FOLKS), at the mall or movie theater if it rains. Yeah, the same ones who will have no respect for others or their surroundings only to leave just in time for the next group of shitstirrers the following week.
ReplyDeleteAll will end Labor Day weekend and then everything will return back to normal!
Lather!
Rinse!
Repeat!
Wouldn't stay if I didn't love the show so much!!!
Yes, it is all about barbecues, ball games, and SALES!
ReplyDeleteMany are grateful indeed:
ReplyDeleteLockheed Martin
General Electric
ExxonMobil
British Petroleum
Martin Marietta
Raytheon
The list goes on and on . . .