I know this will not count as a post, but think it needs to be mentioned:
If you know someone in the military, please thank them for their service tomorrow. Each member has made a sacrifice for their country, whether it be time away from family, lives lost, or just to defend the country no matter who the President is with undying faith. Each one of them from the revolutionary war, WWI, WWII, to the Vietnam Era deserve the utmost respect and honor for their courage and valor. If you see a person wearing a Vietnam Veteran Era hat please stop them and thank them for their services. Our country at the time did not respect what they had to go through at the time. They deserve the same treatment that we are getting today. They may even tell you a story at a bar that will make you proud to be an American! I have had several encounters at local dives that will make even the hardened citizen cry for them. Every veteran deserves the respect that is owed to them.
This is one of my favorite Navy traditions when someone retires. The poem is called "The Watch":
The Watch
For twenty years
This sailor has stood the watch
While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch
While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch
Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch
Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch
He stood the watch for twenty years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch
Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Led
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."
