The following has shown up in my email several times in the past few years. It is a Very Touching letter from a Marine to his Dad. He wanted this shared with everybody. I decided this would be a good way to help in that request and most fitting for Veteran's Day.
March 23, 2003
Hey Dad!
Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the U.S. I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it.. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.'
Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home.
I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron
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We all came together, Both young and old. To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold. |
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In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around. |
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Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way. |
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I give you the right To talk of your peace. To stand in your groups, and protest in our streets. |
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But still I fight on, I don't bitch, I don't whine. I'm just one of the people Who is doing your time. |
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I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine. I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a US MARINE! |
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So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown. |
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Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young. So they all may have, The greatest freedom you've won. |
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Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor. Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door |
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But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom, You'll stand when the fight's done. |
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By Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine, USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF |
If this touched you at all, please forward it on. All gave some---Some gave all. God Bless our American military men and women!
