Time takes on a profound meaning when seen through the lens of a Marine’s experience, especially those who served in Vietnam. Every moment carries a weight that can be hard to comprehend for those who haven’t lived it. This post reflects on the immeasurable value of time, from the long year of deployment to the split-second decisions that could mean life or death. By connecting these moments to the lives and sacrifices of Marines, it offers a powerful perspective on the fragility of life, the bonds of brotherhood, and the pride of service.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR,
ask any Marine who served in Vietnam.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH,
ask any family who lost a Marine 30 days before rotation home.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK,
ask any Marine how fast R&R flew by.
To realize the value of ONE DAY,
ask any Marine who missed being eligible for promotion by one day.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR,
ask any Marine in a hot LZ to wait that long for air support.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE,
ask any Marine what his buddy was doing before he was hit.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND,
ask any Marine who was in Vietnam how long it would have taken for him to pack
and be on the next flight home.
To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND,
Ask any Marine if he’s proud to have been a Marine.
~Fast Eddy Creamer
Would like to find some Marines I served with in RVN, VMO2 ordnance in 1968 and 1969, those would be: Mitch Lin (Lynn), (Linn); Stan Durst; Michael Roth. Would love to hear from or about any of these Marines. Please contact me at:
helomarine@gmail.com
Greg Hargadon, Sgt USMC
Though I was among the first to be of the coast in 1963 and in country in 1965 I can understand the meaning here.
God bless all who followed on our footsteps!