Independence Day

Eleven years ago, sitting on an old seven inch bleacher, I watched sailor after sailor methodically march left, left, left, right, left across the pine floors. The smell of lacquer lingered alongside the anesthetized stench of harsh cleaning chemicals in the humid summer air. A few steel fans buzzed against the trumpets and drums of the Navy band. Each sailor's white uniform told a unique story of service. Emblems signifying this rank or that, a duty station, or a specialized field of study. Not one out of place. Four hundred sailors marched their way onto ships, off to forlorn lands, and into hospitals taking care of the country's wounded and broken.

In the years that have passed most of those young men and women have assisted in earthquakes and hurricanes. Some have saved a soldier's life on the battle fields. Others have been a witness to the birth of new democracies as bronzed statues of oppressive leaders fell at the hands of their people. Still more have come home wounded themselves in attempt to leave no soldier behind. A few have been left behind. A pair of dog tags and a tightly folded American flag with it's stars standing squarely at attention against their midnight blue sky are all that remains of an ultimate sacrifice.

Amid the barren housing and lacking pay, there is an honor in serving. It is revealed in the clean square line of a new haircut, the stretched khaki canvas of a sea bag slung over the left shoulder, and the tiny fingers of a small child grasping the plastic pole of a rippling flag with thirteen strips and stars while his daddy stands firmly planted aboard the edge of a ship beckoned to help another in need.

There is a code they live by. An unspoken brotherhood of understanding. A knowledge that despite the mummer of politics, and the rants of citizens both home and abroad, they are engaged in an important work that connects them to something bigger than themselves, and gives them pride in serving a company and country they love.

To those who have served, continue to serve, and have died serving...thank you.