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people were adjusting. We talked a bit more, but the hour was getting late and I had to go. I thanked him
for his service and I told him how proud I was to be able to serve with men like him.
He thanked me and we shook hands. I climbed down the ladder, got into my truck and we drove away. He
remained on post; vigilant and upright, despite the weight of the gear, the heat of the day, the boredom of
watchfulness, and undoubtedly the ceaseless memories of his deceased friends. As I reflected on what had
just transpired I realized I had just experienced something extraordinary. I had met a young man who had
faced death and given his all to save his brother Marine. A man who mourned the loss of his friend, but
still had the discipline and perseverance to get up the next day, strap on his gear and do what he had to do
in a very dangerous place. To accomplish the mission. To take care of his fellow Marines.
He shouldered the burden and carried on. And he will carry that burden for the rest of his life, just as
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines of every generation have done. You see, that is what makes our
military and our Nation great. People talk about this generation or that, but the truth is that America has
called a portion of every generation of Americans to serve. Every generation has answered that call and
answered it honorably. It is not the career officers or the generals that make our military great. It is the
young men and women like LCpl Christcitizen soldiers who serve with a pureness and innocence of
dedication to the mission and to each other that only the young can havewho have always carried that
burden and always will.
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