Your Marines continued kicking ass while completing long convoys today among other patrols and missions. No marching bands, no, fireworks. In fact the men were pretty much happy to hit the rack when they arrived back at our out post late in the evening. Covered in dirt with that “I’ve been in that damn hummer too long” look. Conducting effective missions that do more good than most will realize well after they have returned home. No fancy napkins donned the tables at chow as a few Marines cook some steaks “acquired” out side on a 55 gal grill.
It’s not about the “holiday” as I’m sure most probably took a few minutes to think what was being conducted back home with their families. But like I have been in Iraq during other holidays, Easter, Christmas and the like, its not about the actual “holiday” its about what the holiday stands for. I know every one of these warriors would love to be back home have a nice cold one but when you work your ass off for a no shit honest days work…….it feels pretty good. When you are doing it for your country, it feels damn good. Forget the pretty napkins and watermelon, there will be next years 4th and I bet when they are sitting with their friends and family, I bet they talk of the fourth of July they spent in Iraq, with brothers. That’s how they spent, their 4th of July.
Spent most of mine waiting for the e-mail from "over there" saying he was back from "work" and he's ok.
Just like every other day.
Posted by: Kath | July 05, 2008 at 07:40 AM
Hope you got your email Kath. Bless you.
Watched the Military Channel showing of the Revolutionary War series. Watched in awe. There were just too many reasons America should not have been, but shows what can happen with a few good men.
God bless America! God bless and keep our troops!
Posted by: Donna, Los Osos, CA | July 05, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Can't remember the holidays except Christmas in Vietnam, no truce, no media, no reminder of the date except when we changed the codes for the radios and security. Hope the steaks were good, and the memories and dreams of future 4ths are worthy, y'all hang in there and come on back.
Posted by: Earl | July 05, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Can't remember the holidays except Christmas in Vietnam, no truce, no media, no reminder of the date except when we changed the codes for the radios and security. Hope the steaks were good, and the memories and dreams of future 4ths are worthy, y'all hang in there and come on back.
Posted by: Earl | July 05, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Can't remember the holidays except Christmas in Vietnam, no truce, no media, no reminder of the date except when we changed the codes for the radios and security. Hope the steaks were good, and the memories and dreams of future 4ths are worthy, y'all hang in there and come on back.
Posted by: Earl | July 05, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Paid my respects at the graveside of two fallen warriors then grilled out with family, raised a glass to all the dirtpeople, and then enjoyed fireworks.
Posted by: chtrbx | July 06, 2008 at 10:13 PM
My Thoughts during the 4 Th were of our Military Deployed , Military BBQ's, Near Beer and Snail Mail from Home.
We are always with you All in Spirit.
Posted by: CT "Ace" Troop Supporter | July 07, 2008 at 11:10 PM
I spent my day packing boxes for the troops. No Bar-B- Q, no parades or picnics. Also watched the "official" celebrations on TV where they recognized the military. While doing this, I contemplated what our men &women are doing and only wished I could do more.
Posted by: Pat | July 08, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Spent the day reading blogs from Iraq and the 'Stand' to learn what the "free" press is not telling us.
Then began addressing boxes to start packing things to mail to 'my 17 Marines' I help to support.
Hope you and your Marines were able to have at least a decent dinner and that the fire-works were quite for a change.
Thank-you for being a 'Kinght of Old' standing on the 'Wall of Freedom' and yelling back into the 'Winds of Hell' -- "NOT HERE, NOT NOW-NOT EVER".
Posted by: Miss Em | July 08, 2008 at 11:15 PM
My Husband and me spend the 4th of July together at home . It is not a good time for him because his only Daughter died on July 4th 2005. So, he didn't want to be around anybody. He talked to me about Vietnam for the first time in a long time . He thinks about his 22 Years in the Army a lot . While I am glad he is retired . Selfish , huh?
We talk about you Soldiers all the time. We are all so proud of you !
Take care
Maj Paine ( I love that Movie )
God bless all of you and keep you safe !
Petra : " The Rock"
Posted by: The Rock | July 12, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Freinds and I attended a Patriot Guard mission to honor a Navy Corpsman who paid the ultimate price for his country while supporting Marines in Afghanistan. As "Gunny" says, " A million things I'd rather do, None more important"
Posted by: Jim | July 15, 2008 at 12:58 AM
I spent the morning at Monticello for the naturalization ceremony. President Bush was there, my friend Chubby, a WWII Omaha Beach survivor, DSC, 2 Silvers, 3 Bronze, and 3 Purple Hearts was on stage, he had been asked to lead the Pledge of Alligence. Gosh, I was proud. He, in my mind was the most distinguished guest. Albeit I respect the President, the Gov., judges and misc others that were on the stage, none of them could compare to what my friend did to serve this country. Chubby told me he saluted the President and got a salute back when they were in T.J.'s house. It was such an honor for him. I witnessed 72 people be sworn in as Americans, now that was powerful. Some shared their stories of why they wanted to be an American, very moving to witness. The freaking Code Pink popped up and George handled them well. Personally I wish the snipers on the roof would have tazed them at best, they were disturbing our peace in the name of protesting. An Iraqi being sworn in said...."Here in America you can protest and the president he just smile at you". So yeah, after dealing Saddam, I bet he does like our country and a president that takes protesting in stride. The most touching was an elderly woman, probably in her 80's, all I could think at her age she still wanted to be an American. It was something to see her raise her hand and swear to protect and defend the Constitution of America. President Bush gave kudos to our Troops, I was the first to jump up and cheer, doing wild mountain calls, hooting and hollering, you guys got a GREAT standing ovation by 3,000 people. I got cold chills, and now I have tears just typing about it. The clapping and cheering went on for quite some time, it was a thing of beauty. Then I came home and watched the Revolutionary War series, and later went and watched some fireworks w/my dog. All I could think about was how the popping/booming sounds must be like that of those in Iraq. You guys are never out of my mind. Anyway, it was a unique and special day for me, many thanks to my friends Jimmy and Sam that got me VIP tickets. I got to use VIP porta johns, never knew such a thing existed, they were nice. Roomy and had their own hand washing sink inside the john. Now I know I have lived!!! LOL! It was an incredible day and probably the most historical 4th of July I will ever have. God Bless America and those that Serve.
Posted by: k9gs | July 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Enjoying my freedoms, watching local parade and picnic, thinking about my Marine son and other members of our Armed Forces. Everything good in this country, and there is quite a bit of it, flows from our Armed Forces, past and present. Also how the treasonous element who would have us cater to those who have attacked and killed 3,000 of our brother and sister Americans will look when this war is successfully finished.
Thinking about the next package going over there and what will be in it.
Posted by: James L. Miller | July 27, 2008 at 04:15 PM