How Did I Get Here?

Quote of the Day: “There’s no present. There’s only the immediate future and the recent past.”

I recently had a conversation bout John McCain and was rather surprised that the person I was talking to didn’t even know he had been in the military. I suddenly found myself trying to explain that not only was he in the military, he was a POW, tortured, and that his father and grandfather where historic figures in their own right.

How do you adequately explain who he really is, what he has been through, and the depth of respect he deserves independent of his bid for the Presidency?

I started by trying to explain the book that outlines his traumatic experiences as a “guest” at the Hanoi Hilton.

When I read his book, Faith of Our Fathers, I was in utter awe. As a military man, I would only hope I could muster a percentage of honor, service, and behavior that McCain showed in the face of torture and imprisonment.

Last year I was deeply honored when he came to MCRD. I found myself alone as he approached from his bus walking toward me. When he got near, I slammed my heels together, came to the most rigid attention I could manage, and practically broke my arm by snapping it to my brow with a salute that nearly broke the sound barrier. “Good morning, Sir.”

I was rewarded with a smile and something I treasure and will never forget.

“Good morning, Captain.”

He continued on to the Commanding General’s Conference room where he politely requested that the General NOT recognize him during the Morning Colors Ceremony. He was there for his step-son and did not want to become the center of attention.

When he emerged from the conference room to take his seat for the outdoor ceremony, he made sure he shook every hand of every Marine waiting to perform the ceremony, yours truly included.

I marched out with an extra bit of snap and pop, knowing one of my heroes was watching. In the corner of my eye, I noticed something that made my respect soar even higher.

The Senator, this man who had done more to earn a front row seat than any other person I can think of, had taken a seat in the SECOND row of chairs, behind the “dignitaries” that historically rate those seats such as the Parade Reviewing Officer, visiting Generals, etc.

This man who cannot even raise his arms above his shoulders as a result of his torture, this SENATOR, voluntarily chose the second row to stay true to his desire not to be the center of attention.

I am not a political person and am not on the stump right now. You vote your heart but I write this to point out the kind of man, the kind of American John McCain is. Not the politician or potential President. I’ve spent over two decades in the service of this Nation and cannot hold a candle to the patriotism this man possesses.

Free Advice for Today: “Carry a small pocket knife.”

This entry was posted on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 8:22 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.