I will Salute

Jul 28

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The sentiments spoken by a true American. I hope many will follow Bob MacPherson’s example and once again revere the flag !!

theleansubmariner

Forty six years ago, I raised my right hand in a room full of strangers and pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I solemnly swore to do so while standing facing the flag that represents this country. For all of the years since then, that flag has played a central role in my life.

I watched her fly as a green recruit and came to understand she is more than just another piece of cloth. I watched her fly from the deck of many submarines and ships at bases all over the world. I listened with pride one night in Yokosuka Japan while a shipmate played Taps as we retired her for the day. I felt the crushing weight of seeing a comrade under her in a casket bound for home. I felt sadness at the deaths of so many veterans who also shared her…

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About GP

Everett Smith served with the Headquarters Company, 187th Regiment, 11th A/B Division during WWII. This site is in tribute to my father, "Smitty." GP is a member of the 11th Airborne Association. Member # 4511 and extremely proud of that fact!

Posted on July 28, 2018, in Current News, Home Front, Korean War, Uncategorized, Vietnam, WWII and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 45 Comments.

  1. Vanessence | August 25, 2018 at 12:48 AM

    *salute*

    I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

    I think a lot of people forget that – that this is a pledge not just to the flag, but to our country, and our fellow Americans, as well as those who have died protecting us. It is a vow as solemn and sacred as a wedding vow and should be respected as such.

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. natuurfreak | August 1, 2018 at 4:15 PM

    People all over the world has to respect the flag of ther country

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. ajeanneinthekitchen | July 31, 2018 at 11:43 AM

    I will always salute and say thank you to all our Veterans. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Richard Schulte | July 30, 2018 at 11:02 PM

    To me the American flag above all symbolizes Liberty. That makes it so extraordinary and precious.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • GP Cox | July 31, 2018 at 6:12 AM

      Very happy to hear that!
      (Isn’t it strange that even people who hate the flag and criticize this country – still refuse to leave it?!!!)

      Liked by 1 person

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      • GP Cox | August 1, 2018 at 5:59 AM

        Perhaps I did not explain myself, as I’ve seen too many people insult the flag during the anthem and flag burnings in my time. I certainly agree with free speech (I’ve allowed you to speak your mind here, when I could just as easily put you in the Spam or Trash folder)and this country along with all others always needs updating and improvement. When I said about people leaving the country – how many during the 2016 elections threatened to leave if Trump was elected, I see those people still here making their millions.
        Being as I am unable to change laws by myself and neither can you – perhaps this is not the place to argue this subject. I am attempting to rehash history (since the school systems have dropped the ball) and hope we can learn from our past mistakes.
        If you decide to leave, my friend, Adios and happy travels.

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        • GP Cox | August 1, 2018 at 1:35 PM

          Mainly because this is not the place to do that. You just said we are discussing the Pacific War – not Trump, not the protests, not anything else. The Submariner had a nice post and I decided to reblog it. As far as I’m concerned this conversation is over. You are certainly free to start your own blog and say whatever you please.

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  5. mstrmac711 | July 30, 2018 at 7:04 AM

    I am humbled by the many responses to the original article. As one who has lived through many troubling times in America, I will freely admit we have our share of trounces. But the flag stands for something that is greater than any individual and any group. It is a beacon of hope for all. Thanks for the reblog and for the many responses I have seen here and on the OP.
    Mister Mac (AKA Bob MacPherson Chief Warrant Officer USN (Retired))

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. The Emu | July 30, 2018 at 12:30 AM

    That is an excellent re post gp.
    That should be read out in all schools and universities and campuses throughout America.
    I salute America and its Flag for its services throughout the Free World.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • GP Cox | July 30, 2018 at 5:58 AM

      THANK YOU for that, Ian. I have been reading so many complaints around Blogsville about us. It’s strange though, even people that claim they hate us here – refuse to leave!!

      Liked by 1 person

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  8. Linda Arthur Tejera | July 29, 2018 at 3:19 PM

    That’s a beautiful article. Thanks for sharing. God Bless America! 😀 ❤

    Liked by 2 people

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  11. SCLMRose | July 29, 2018 at 9:05 AM

    Thanks for sharing this post. Beautifully written!!

    Liked by 2 people

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  12. Gallivanta | July 28, 2018 at 9:46 PM

    I was going to say like beetleypete that we have less emphasis on flags but then I remembered our recent debate and referendum over changing the NZ flag which seemed to get everyone hot under the collar. In the end we didn’t change the flag and I am happy enough with that situation. I am intrigued by the general US passion for the flag. It’s one of your defining characteristics as Americans I guess.

    Liked by 1 person

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  13. Jacqui Murray | July 28, 2018 at 4:14 PM

    Definitely, GP. And I’ll vote against those with my pocketbook who don’t do the same.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. fragglerocking | July 28, 2018 at 4:00 PM

    I wish we liked ours as much, but it’s been ‘adopted’ by right-wing nutters, so we tend not to in case people think we’re the same! Lovely post.

    Liked by 1 person

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  15. ekurie | July 28, 2018 at 3:44 PM

    Thanks for reblogging his post. As I said on his post, the perversity of the people who hate the flag is that the flag represents everything they claim to stand for.

    Liked by 2 people

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  16. GP Cox | July 28, 2018 at 3:35 PM

    I’ll not dignify that rant with a reply, but I do uphold your right to speak it.

    Liked by 5 people

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  17. Tom Darby | July 28, 2018 at 2:45 PM

    I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow and salute with him! Long may she wave!

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Taylor | July 28, 2018 at 2:23 PM

    Every day i understand your feelings more and in my heart i hope your wish come true! Only hope can help our world!

    Liked by 1 person

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  19. beetleypete | July 28, 2018 at 1:31 PM

    A powerful personal story, full of tangible emotion. We have less emphasis on flags over here, but I understood the sentiments, nonetheless.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

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