NorwichDad
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,351
apologies everyone,
I was way too harsh
My son came home to sign his tax return this weekend. We went over to see our neighbor and his friend RP(2nd Marines 1942 to 46) last night. He spoke of Okinawa in detail. There must be some sort of real clarity of memory in old age. He talked how the Marines on the LST passed anti aircraft shells to the sailors during the Kamikazi attacks. Even the Marine officers obeyed the sailors. He told us on the island of the Army soldiers who were relieved by his regiment saying they were so glad the Marines are here. He said they told the Army soldiers they were glad to see them too. He talked about the Navy and Marine pilots after a strafing run would fly back over their line and tip their wings in respect and salute to the Marines on the ground. I came back and read the thread. I never was in the Armed forces but I think that respect was still there between those American men and women in Afganistan and Iraq this past 10 years regardless of their duty. We are all Americans and that is the ultimate prestige.
Sorry anyway for being a little rough.
One last challenge from RP to all of you in ROTC. It is what he talks to my son about. He always said "we had great officers." This is what you need to understand. You will have to inspire and lead them. Are you preparing yourself now to lead American men and women in such a way that 60 or 70 years from now they would say that about you. Realize the things they did to inspire this man to say that now. It is going to be your turn. You will be next.