On another thread TomC and I wwere taking about some called "The Watch"

 

.It is done at a retirerment cerimony and if done right with all the enlisted paygrades it will bring the most jaded person to tears and I thought I'd share it with you and without further ado The Watch

 

For twenty years

 

This sailor has stood the watch

 

While some of us were in our bunks at night

 

This sailor stood the watch

 

While some of us were in school learning our trade

 

This shipmate stood the watch

 

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world

 

This shipmate stood the watch

 

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history

 

This shipmate stood the watch

 

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there

 

Needing his guidance and help

 

Needing that hand to hold during those hard times

 

But he still stood the watch

 

He stood the watch for twenty years

 

He stood the watch so that we, our families and

 

Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night

 

Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

 

Today we are here to say

 

'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved

 

Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead

 

Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

 

"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side...Shipmate's going Ashore.."

 

Thats it!!!!!...And even as I proof read this thread I felt a small tightening in my chest, Because I am now that shipmate. Like I said before it's alittle bittersweet to leave but it is my time to go.

 

And if you want to read somemore of our traditions heres a great link to look at.

 

http://www.goatlocker.org/retire/cporetire.htm

didn't see that you posted this one and I reposted it in another thread. Its ok though I think this is an awesome read gets me choked up every time I read it. Wonder how many Unwashed pollywogs are walking the decks here