The Watch
Aye mates,
For thirty one years,
This sailor 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 thirty one 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 led
Shipmate you stand relieved...we now have the watch!"
"Boatswain...Standby to pipe the side...Shipmate's going ashore!"
3 comments:
Such a wonderful, memorable celebration your photos capture! Great to view!
I went to one of these ceremonies it is so moving.
Thank you to "Uncle Jerry" for his years of service to our country--31 years!! And God Bless all our service men and women and our veterans. Love to see the tradition being passed down in your family!
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