The Passing Of A True American Hero
I don't know how I missed this, but I just read that Admiral James Stockdale died this week.
With advanced appologies to all CPOs out there, I think that "The Watch" is a fitting tribute:
"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 lead. Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."
Sailor, rest your oar.
With advanced appologies to all CPOs out there, I think that "The Watch" is a fitting tribute:
"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 lead. Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."
Sailor, rest your oar.
posted by exsubdriver at 12:42 PM
2 Comments:
Admiral Stockdale was a heroic member of the warrior class. It is sad that far too many Americans will never know what he accomplished as a naval officer in service to our country. He stands in marked contrast to the many who shirked or avoided their duty when our Country called.
As verse 1 of The Navy Hymn says:
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
I had the distinct honor to have met two CMH awardees in my life (Stockdale and George Street). Neither of them considered himself a hero, yet I doubt there are too many who would have voluntarily changed places with either.
Sailors, rest your oar.
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