As a veteran I try to simply remember those who went before me on this day. For my entire life there have been brave men and women who went out to meet a foe and some came home and some did not. Soldiers of combined forces often had to fight side by side. Famous ones like Wingate's Chindits and Merrills Maruauders have noteriety. Some others not so much. One such unit was the 1st Special Service Force, comprised of US and Canadian airborne troops, otherwise referred to as the "Devil's Brigade." They were portrayed in an old 1960's movie of the same name, but they were very real in WWII. The march attributed to them isScotland the Brave and was portrayed in the movie as gthe asrrival of the Canadian contingent at Fort Harrison, Helena, Montana ...which is still there and active today. The 1stSSF was disbanded in France near the end of WWII, but their spirit lives on...the spirit of combined forces rising up to defeat an enemy of both.
As I look back I cannot recall exactly why I enlisted, in 1968 of all years. All I can recall is that I didn't think it particularly unusual to do so. So this little post is my memorium to the 1stSSF and all those who went before me, and those who've gone after me...God Speed.
In addition to somber memorials, we need to recall that even in combat, soldiers retain a sense of humor. It might seem at odds with circumstances, but it happens everywhere soldiers go. You strive to make light of the devil's domain as a means to survive it. Remember that tears run from both laughter and crying. Here's the Brits at Al Faw and the Yanks in Bagdad
No one loves peace more than a solider, and no one tries harder to achieve it.
I will never forget to honour and thank our brave men and women who fought and fight for our freedom and safety.
ReplyDeleteI remain in awe of their sacrifices.
Amen.
ReplyDeleteAs a veteran I try to simply remember those who went before me on this day. For my entire life there have been brave men and women who went out to meet a foe and some came home and some did not. Soldiers of combined forces often had to fight side by side. Famous ones like Wingate's Chindits and Merrills Maruauders have noteriety. Some others not so much. One such unit was the 1st Special Service Force, comprised of US and Canadian airborne troops, otherwise referred to as the "Devil's Brigade." They were portrayed in an old 1960's movie of the same name, but they were very real in WWII. The march attributed to them isScotland the Brave and was portrayed in the movie as gthe asrrival of the Canadian contingent at Fort Harrison, Helena, Montana ...which is still there and active today. The 1stSSF was disbanded in France near the end of WWII, but their spirit lives on...the spirit of combined forces rising up to defeat an enemy of both.
ReplyDeleteAs I look back I cannot recall exactly why I enlisted, in 1968 of all years. All I can recall is that I didn't think it particularly unusual to do so. So this little post is my memorium to the 1stSSF and all those who went before me, and those who've gone after me...God Speed.
In addition to somber memorials, we need to recall that even in combat, soldiers retain a sense of humor. It might seem at odds with circumstances, but it happens everywhere soldiers go. You strive to make light of the devil's domain as a means to survive it. Remember that tears run from both laughter and crying. Here's the Brits at Al Faw and the Yanks in Bagdad
ReplyDeleteNo one loves peace more than a solider, and no one tries harder to achieve it.
Hear, hear, Mr. Aridog, sir, on both comments.
ReplyDeleteThank God for all of them.
ReplyDeleteLest We Forget.
ReplyDeletePer Ardua Ad Astra.
ReplyDeleteThank you aridog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant and inspiring post, thank you, Fay.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Fay and aridog.
ReplyDelete