Christmas Past

Christmas Past

So. 😉 Christmas morning has come and gone, the balloons filled to delight the smallings are all that remains, and they are slowly falling. I love it. … Sometimes the colorful sprites follow me around. … You can even see a couple running off down the hall. … 😉

As I am working on the computer, several silently slip into my room, watching over my shoulders, till one, ever so slightly taps me on the ear or my leg, and I turnaround to see the gathered friends coming to say, “Thank you for sharing Christmas with us.” Like very gentle spirits, they inhabit our house during times of gladness.

Memorial Day, in a small town.

My father was a Marine. I was a Marine. We lived the Marine Corps life from before I was born.

After growing to adulthood in the Military, I know it is a life I wish for all mankind. You will actively be taught new things. You will be given responsibilities way beyond of those of your non military peers. You will learn to love and honor your friends, your family, and life generally. And, you will protect those things you honor. Even protect them with your life, as so many have done before.

Some people think that the military types want, and even enjoy, war. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those people in the military are much closer to their friends moment by moment. They spend 24 hours a day with each other, and they know very deeply in their hearts how much it hurts having a friend die. They know it every day. The only people who feel this as deeply as those in the militaries, are the parents, husbands, and wives of the fallen. They also understand why they do what they do.

They honor us all.

From the first pledge in 1892 through all changes until 1954, all the pledge versions united the citizens of the U.S. of America, as equals. Then came the politicians who changed the pledge, so that they could get elected by dividing the people.

The Last Good Pledge-1924-1954, the one I recite, always, in honor of the citizens of my country, and what our soldiers have fought for.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands;
one nation indivisible
with liberty and justice for all.”

Jack Foster Mancilla – LensLord™ – Home –