YESTERDAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN - HE JUST COULDN'T TALK ABOUT IT

YESTERDAY, IT HAPPENED AGAIN - HE JUST COULDN'T TALK ABOUT IT

By Andy Weddington

Sunday, 23 February 2025

Let valour end my life.  - Walter Raleigh

With today being the 80th anniversary of U. S. Marines raising colors atop Mount Suribachi and the President and Secretary of Defense recently tending to General/Flag officer housekeeping, a chance encounter yesterday fit for commentary.

My wife and I went to a college alumni gathering at a local sports bar. We did not expect to know anyone and that proved the case. 

Shortly after arriving and while staff solved where to seat the growing group, a couple, Jack and Jill (fictional names for non-fictional characters), introduced themselves.

Both made mention of being athletes while in college and now retired teachers.

Staff escorted us to an area of high top tables. 

Jack continued about life as a teacher at the high school and university levels. Just so happens I am familiar with the schools where he taught. Small world. 

Then he mentioned being a Navy veteran. 

Which caught my wife's attention. 

So we asked, "What did you do and where did you serve?"

Blank stare.

Silence. 

Then, "Well, I can't talk about it."

Which further had my wife's attention so she again asked.

"I can't talk about it."

"Okay, then let's just talk about where you went through recruit training and A school."

"I can't talk about it."

Then he shifted mentioning a brother who had been a flight surgeon. 

With two naval aviator brothers, I asked, "Fixed or rotary wing units."

Confusing answer from Jack. Followed by more confusion. 

With that my wife disengaged and moved on. 

Not me.

"Look, Jack, I am a Marine retired. My wife Navy retired. Fairly senior, we both held clearances. Where you went through recruit training is not classified. At the time it was either Orlando, San Diego, or Great Lakes. Which one?"

Silence. 

"I can't talk about it."

Then after an awkward moment or two he appeared flushed and excused himself.

Since the gathering was small, less than ten, I decided to depart the premises - not wanting to be near this guy.

Mulling over that strange encounter these past 24 hours have concluded - poser. 

His bad luck meeting a couple of veterans who innocently enough called him on his claim. 

The biggest irony ... 

If what he did was so secret, why mention he was a Navy veteran?

Doubtful the rub ever occurred to him. 

As a brother Marine who inter-service transferred and retired a SEAL once surmised while we traded comical stories of poser encounters ...

"Those guys are everywhere."

Yep, even a sports bar in Raleigh.

Poltroonery!

So ...

Platoons! 

Here's to the Marines who assaulted South Pacific beachheads and raised flag fixed to a pole this date on Iwo Jima's high ground. 

Tens of thousands of lives, some named Walter, ended - in valour.

We honor them, ever.  

For not being able to fully comprehend their courage, I believe every Marine who faced that terrifying duty should retroactively be awarded the Silver Star. Some higher. It's not ever too late to correct service records. 

God bless them. 

Semper Fidelis. 

Post Script: Salute to my late brother-in-law, BTC Robert A. Sommer, U.S. Navy. Bobby was the epitome of a blue water Sailor; practically entire career underway - in the warship's engine room. He was born this date 70 years ago. And died 25 years ago from complications of a service-connected disease. He was young. Patriot. Veteran.