A Dad's Letter To His Marine

Son, I'm so proud that you elected to serve in the United States Marines. Military service is a family tradition - it just happens to be in our genes! Your forefathers have worn the uniform since the genesis of this nation. All were privileged to serve, feeling that it was their solemn obligation! One of your distant relatives served as a lieutenant in The Revolution. He lost an arm at Brandywine to boost this nation's glorious evolution! A soldier on your mother's side was a sergeant in the Battle of New Orleans. In letters he told of subsisting on meager rations of rancid pork and beans! A grandfather shouldered a musket in the Mexican War affair. Another, a corporal of cavalry in the Union Army served with elegant flair! In the Spanish-American fray, one of your kin charged up San Juan Hill. Your great grandpa led a platoon in World War One with consummate skill! Your granddad was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific and became an ace, And he later soared as an astronaut through the vast reaches of space! I was privileged to serve as an army chaplain during the Korean War. Your Aunt Sarah served with distinction in Viet Nam with the Nurses Corps! So, you see son, you have a distinguished heritage upon which to build, Serving all humankind to ensure that our quest for liberty is fulfilled! Godspeed, Marine! Here's my old wartime copy of the Twenty-Third Psalm. When assailed from all sides, it will provide you with great solace and calm! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved Placed No. 4 in Gail Doyle's "Writing A Heartfelt Poem To A Soldier" Contest July 2012