Happy Birthday, Bestie!

Bestie is spending yet another birthday in a combat zone. Instead of celebrating, he is working 16 hour days, every day. He is feeling a little under the weather, but doesn't get to spend the day in bed.

No, on his birthday, he is protecting our nation. Protecting freedom.

But strip away the gun, the uniform, the desert, the jarhead, and he is still the awkward, goofy kid who somewhere between Ring Pops, AP Lit, and Batman rollercoasters, became my best friend.

Happy Birthday, Bestie! Wish you could be here and we could have a proper celebration.

Know that we miss you, we love you, and we are so proud of you.

Be safe.

Be happy.

If You Are Able

I came across this today and it touched me deeply.

If you are able,
save for them a place inside of you
and save one backward glance when you are leaving
for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may or may not have always.
Take what they have taught you with their dying
and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide
and feel safe to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

Love and Brotherhood

E.B. Sledge on war in With the Old Breed at Pelelui and Okinawa:

"War is brutism, inglorious, and a terrible waste. Combat leaves an indelible mark on those who are forced to endure it. The only redeeming factors were my comrades' incredible bravery and their devotion to each other...it also taught us loyalty to each other- and love (315)."

Photo from 9 June, 2010 The Wall Street Journal

Hat tip: Rich Lowry