Excellent article. You have a God-given ability to turn words into thought provoking expressions.
As I read each word my mind drifted to my father’s diary. He was in the Navy and helped ferry many of those Marines onto Iwo Jima in his landing craft. He also helped bring back many of the wounded to his ship.
He never spoke about his service record. I only know about his encounters because, when he passed, my mother gave me his secret, hand-written record of his experiences in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters.
Today, in my opinion, while we must remain informed, we should spend less time listening and reading to much of the mainstream media. In my small circle of family, friends and people I am familiar — many seem patriotic and ready to protect our American values and way of life. They see and feel what is happening to our freedoms.
History has proven time and time again — not everyone will rise to the challenge — we can only expect and need a few good men and women. It has been true since Washington crossed the Delaware. We are Americans.
Thank you for being an Officer of Marines. Keep up the great work — we need your reminders of what we had and must continue.
What an incredibly insightful comment. Thank you, sir. Your father sounds like an honorable and courageous man, probably not much older than a boy when he served, like so many of that generation. My grandfather served in the Navy during the battle of Okinawa. He also never spoke of his experience there, for good reason I'm sure. The best we can do is honor their legacy and live lives worthy of their sacrifice and ensure there are men willing to do the same to preserve the last best hope on earth. Thank you, again, for reading and sharing your thoughts.
A most excellent post with a great question. America and the West are populated with children in adult bodies.
I knew people that ended up in Viet Nam. One friend who is gone now was a Marine sniper at 18 years old! I can't even imagine what we have walking down our streets doing that. They would die of fright as soon as they got drafted!
My wife's cousin also gone now did two tours in Viet Nam. The second so his younger brother would not have to go. He told her a story about being in a swamp under water breathing through a reed for THREE days because they got caught behind enemy lines! Again. Can't even imagine young people today surviving that!
Thankfully, I believe there are still such American men today. We have a responsibility to ensure the survival of that mindset in future generations and to create an environment in which the fearless patriot isn't a man to be scorned, but celebrated. Thank you for reading and for your comment.
I went back and re-read my comment. It appears I gave the impression of ALL young people. There are some outstanding ones. I know a few myself. Sadly, though, you have to admit they are far and in between. The majority are worthless, spoiled, undisciplined children in adult bodies. We are not in a good place in our country right now.
Absolutely a product. "Helicopter mothers". Parents going to the employer of an adult child to chew them out. Instead of raising their children, parents allowing kids to run their household. Everyone gets a trophy for participating.
We can't give grades or fail students. Just let them do community service and get their diploma. Universities a!lowing students to attack speakers that are invited to their campus. The University of California, Berkeley outrageously creating “Jewish-free zones” after nine student groups adopted a rule forbidding pro-Israel speakers at events.
I appreciate your writing especially so now that I know you are a Marine. You pose a question if after WW2 we still have the right stuff. I enlisted in the Army a couple weeks after graduating from college. I served a year in Vietnam in 1969 when it seemed we’d pretty much won the war. I served with normal decent guys. Our NCOs and officers were mostly capable. My experience was positive. I went home to help raise a loving, productive family and complete a long successful career in the National Park Service. It all seemed pretty normal. The American way. Would that story be an anomaly today?
First, thank you for your service, sir. Between Korea and Vietnam, the men who bravely fought in these wars and sacrificed their youth, time, maybe opportunities, and certainly many their lives, deserve the gratitude of a nation. Even more so to those who continued to live honorably just as you -- by raising families, working hard, and pursuing the American Dream. America is fortunate to have men like you. I am extremely fortunate to know you as a reader. Blessings to you and your family!
Thank you for reposting your essay on US Marine Corps Corporal Charles Joseph Berry, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the battle for Iwo Jima. As I reread your essay and, in particular, the original comments & the new comments, I was compelled to attempt to answer the question “Where do we get such men?”
This afternoon I attended a small, local political meeting. The featured speaker was someone expecting to run for governor. I ‘knew of him’ which is why I attended. This gentleman is running against all odds. He has never previously run for any political office. His only apparent backing is from his wife & a truly small grassroots group. He may or may not be “such a man.”
While he is the man ‘stepping forward’ — in my opinion, the impressive story were the 80 citizens who, on a February Sunday afternoon, attended. People of various backgrounds, diverse ages & most likely status, who cared enough about their government to mingle with strangers in their quests for better governance. ‘This is where we get such men & woman.’ They are among us.
You're right. This is a good reminder that we find patriots -- true patriots -- in good times and bad. They always answer the call. Thank you for this, Noah.
Jenna,
Excellent article. You have a God-given ability to turn words into thought provoking expressions.
As I read each word my mind drifted to my father’s diary. He was in the Navy and helped ferry many of those Marines onto Iwo Jima in his landing craft. He also helped bring back many of the wounded to his ship.
He never spoke about his service record. I only know about his encounters because, when he passed, my mother gave me his secret, hand-written record of his experiences in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters.
Today, in my opinion, while we must remain informed, we should spend less time listening and reading to much of the mainstream media. In my small circle of family, friends and people I am familiar — many seem patriotic and ready to protect our American values and way of life. They see and feel what is happening to our freedoms.
History has proven time and time again — not everyone will rise to the challenge — we can only expect and need a few good men and women. It has been true since Washington crossed the Delaware. We are Americans.
Thank you for being an Officer of Marines. Keep up the great work — we need your reminders of what we had and must continue.
What an incredibly insightful comment. Thank you, sir. Your father sounds like an honorable and courageous man, probably not much older than a boy when he served, like so many of that generation. My grandfather served in the Navy during the battle of Okinawa. He also never spoke of his experience there, for good reason I'm sure. The best we can do is honor their legacy and live lives worthy of their sacrifice and ensure there are men willing to do the same to preserve the last best hope on earth. Thank you, again, for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Forgive the typos, please. It's difficult to write through tears. Let us not forget American history's orphan, the Korean War. https://sportingclassicsdaily.com/man-of-iron/
A most excellent post with a great question. America and the West are populated with children in adult bodies.
I knew people that ended up in Viet Nam. One friend who is gone now was a Marine sniper at 18 years old! I can't even imagine what we have walking down our streets doing that. They would die of fright as soon as they got drafted!
My wife's cousin also gone now did two tours in Viet Nam. The second so his younger brother would not have to go. He told her a story about being in a swamp under water breathing through a reed for THREE days because they got caught behind enemy lines! Again. Can't even imagine young people today surviving that!
Thankfully, I believe there are still such American men today. We have a responsibility to ensure the survival of that mindset in future generations and to create an environment in which the fearless patriot isn't a man to be scorned, but celebrated. Thank you for reading and for your comment.
Many young folks are patriots still.
I went back and re-read my comment. It appears I gave the impression of ALL young people. There are some outstanding ones. I know a few myself. Sadly, though, you have to admit they are far and in between. The majority are worthless, spoiled, undisciplined children in adult bodies. We are not in a good place in our country right now.
Absolutely a product. "Helicopter mothers". Parents going to the employer of an adult child to chew them out. Instead of raising their children, parents allowing kids to run their household. Everyone gets a trophy for participating.
We can't give grades or fail students. Just let them do community service and get their diploma. Universities a!lowing students to attack speakers that are invited to their campus. The University of California, Berkeley outrageously creating “Jewish-free zones” after nine student groups adopted a rule forbidding pro-Israel speakers at events.
Just the tip of the iceberg.
Yes, I believe these men are still here. They will be the leaders of tomorrow.
They will not settle for less.
Fine article here! Thank you!
Jenna,
I appreciate your writing especially so now that I know you are a Marine. You pose a question if after WW2 we still have the right stuff. I enlisted in the Army a couple weeks after graduating from college. I served a year in Vietnam in 1969 when it seemed we’d pretty much won the war. I served with normal decent guys. Our NCOs and officers were mostly capable. My experience was positive. I went home to help raise a loving, productive family and complete a long successful career in the National Park Service. It all seemed pretty normal. The American way. Would that story be an anomaly today?
Your loyal reader,
Tom
First, thank you for your service, sir. Between Korea and Vietnam, the men who bravely fought in these wars and sacrificed their youth, time, maybe opportunities, and certainly many their lives, deserve the gratitude of a nation. Even more so to those who continued to live honorably just as you -- by raising families, working hard, and pursuing the American Dream. America is fortunate to have men like you. I am extremely fortunate to know you as a reader. Blessings to you and your family!
This brought me to tears.
The Marine Corps Museum is one of the Crown Jewels of the DC area. I cannot recommend it enough. It is shockingly good.
100 percent. It’s intense and beautifully done. I had my commissioning ceremony there.
Jenna,
Thank you for reposting your essay on US Marine Corps Corporal Charles Joseph Berry, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the battle for Iwo Jima. As I reread your essay and, in particular, the original comments & the new comments, I was compelled to attempt to answer the question “Where do we get such men?”
This afternoon I attended a small, local political meeting. The featured speaker was someone expecting to run for governor. I ‘knew of him’ which is why I attended. This gentleman is running against all odds. He has never previously run for any political office. His only apparent backing is from his wife & a truly small grassroots group. He may or may not be “such a man.”
While he is the man ‘stepping forward’ — in my opinion, the impressive story were the 80 citizens who, on a February Sunday afternoon, attended. People of various backgrounds, diverse ages & most likely status, who cared enough about their government to mingle with strangers in their quests for better governance. ‘This is where we get such men & woman.’ They are among us.
Jenna, keep up the great work.
You're right. This is a good reminder that we find patriots -- true patriots -- in good times and bad. They always answer the call. Thank you for this, Noah.