DuckTales's Blog

There is a toast which goes :

"Heres to the ones who have come before, heres to the ones we see no more.. Here's to us and the ones like us.. There's damn few of us left. Gerry Owen"

This is given, on very special occasions, by a small group and to those of us who remain , it needs no explanation. Occasionally in life, some of us are blessed to walk with giants. Not in the "specific" meaning generally associated with this term, but to walk in the company of those who are truely giants amoung men. Warriors who for no other reasons than the pure, abiding love of this nation, total devotion to maintaining the very freedoms and liberties which she gives to each of our citizens... A non-compromising duty to their oath and who by honor, are bound to keep this oath, even to their very own demise.. to make the supreme, ultimate sacrifice.

Those who belong to this company of giants, to The Brotherhood of the Warrior, their numbers are legions. They have fought and died to defend our Constitution in every corner of the globe. Many never returned to the very soil they fought to protect, never again felt the warm breeze of its freedom.. They are forever separated from home and from the loved ones who waited in vain for their return.. Each gave the last full measure of self.. Each knew the true meaning of.. Duty... Honor...Country.

We are faced once more with dire threats to our nation, our way of  life and to the same freedoms for which so many fought and died to preserve. It is a war we fight on two main fronts and where the giants of today.. The Warriors of our time face an enemy unlike any known before. An enemy so cruel, so merciless, so godless and whose bloodlust, love of the murder of innocents pales in contrast to all others, even to that of the Nazis of World War II..

On this day.. Memorial Day 2008, we pause, say a prayer and remember these giants.. These modern day Warriors, along with all of their brothers and sisters who have come before. Today America pays its highest tribute and most well deserved honors to these men and women who proudly have worn.. and who today, wear the uniform of each of our military services.

For a very brief, shining moment in life, I was given the honor, great privliedge and deepest blessing to walk among them.. and  beside them. A time in life, which beyond all others, is cherished, remembered and is forever held close to my heart.

To ALL our Warriors.. Past and present.. Thank You...

To whose I was so greatly privliedged to walk with and beside for such a time, to lose my youth with.. and fight along side.. You will always live within the deepest and warmest parts of my memories, be forever in my thoughts and constantly in my prayers. And late at night, when all is dark and quiet.. I see the faces, each and every one..still even though now ever so faintly, hear your voices... The joy of your laughter.. see the twinkle in your eyes and feel the unending pain and sorrow of your loss. As life goes on.. and the years have passed.. It is once more time to renew that same vow taken by each and every one of us to the others so long ago...

                          "FIDELITAS SUPERMUS Totus Tamen VENERATIO"

                                           "LOYALTY Above all but  HONOR"

With deepest respects and undying gratitude..

Gerry Owen..

The Duck