Posted by
Top on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 5:58:35 PM
To the Sergeant Major that set the example for all of his Marines to emulate, arranged my retirement ceremony and left me with a memory of a lifetime, who bravely put himself in the front of the battle, and then gave his life,
To the Staff Sergeant who loved his son, helped teach me to surf, who came to me for help, In whom I was very proud to lead, that bravely gave his life,
To the Gunnery Sergeant that made me laugh, there, that was the epitome, that taught so many and influenced so many more, that bravely gave his life,
To the corporal come lieutenant that knew how to lead, that was first to give, that bravely gave his life,
To 34 Magnificent Bastards that didn't hesitate, that loved life and their fellow Marines yet bravely gave their own,
To the thousands that I don't know personally that died for me none-the-less, in this war and all previous,
I give my eternal thanks.
For living in the greatest nation on this earth,
For my home,
For my health,
For my opportunities,
For my friends,
For my animal companions,
For the food in my pantry,
I give thanks.
For my mom that has seen the worst of human nature and knows the truth, that once looked to Americans as liberators and has given back to them with her loyalty and citizenship and is now the finest of Americans,
For my pop that taught me right from wrong, that set the example in work and play, that does the job right and causes no one to pick up his slack no matter the task,
For my sisters that show incredible strength in tumultuous times,
For my children for whom the world awaits,
For my in-laws that asked no questions and simply accepted me as one of their own,
For my beloved wife that stood with me through it all,
I give thanks.
For the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ my Saviour,
I give thanks on bended knee.