Fourth of July

Since the sequestration put the kibbosh on any fireworks on Camp Lejeune, we've been looking for other things to do in the area over the holiday.  My motto is "If it's free, it's for me!".   I took the girls to a free concert given by the Marine Corps band at the base theater yesterday and they loved it.  Olivia especially had a good time, shouting out "WOW!!" and clapping her hands and trying to yell "OORAH"  or just yell in general when she heard others do it.  

I always find it both touching and hilarious when I see the Marine Corp Band, in any venue.  They are extremely disciplined, march on/off in perfect unison, and every move is coordinated precisely to match.  Every concert starts with the National Anthem and we stand with our right hand over our hearts and the Marines in the audience standing stiffly at attention (both in and out of uniform) - not any different than when any other movie starts in the theater as well.  You can always tell the former Marines - no matter the age, they also stand stiffly at attention with their hands at their sides.  Sometimes I find myself surprised at who stood - a few have been shaggy, long hair, earrings and grungy attire - but it's interesting that the pride in being a Marine has never left them.  

 So when I hear rock and roll music coming from uniformed Marines who are controlling their every impulse to let loose and dance across the stage, I watch closely to see if one of them will let loose and wiggle a hip just a little.  I live in hope that one of them will break down and gyrate across the stage in dress blues.   Yesterday I finally got a thrill when they started singing and rocked back and forth just a little.  I think I even saw a head shake.  

There was a wry comment that it wouldn't be Fourth of July without fireworks, but due to the sequestration they were going to scale back and show us some fireworks.  It's what Marines do best - adapt, improvise and overcome.  We were treated to a full scale show of bombing runs on the big screen behind the band as they played on.  BIG fireworks!  I couldn't help thinking how well this would  probably NOT go over in the civilian world and how glad I am that I was there on base and not out in town.  I don't think war is glorious, but I think what we do is essential.  For anyone who thinks that the military is useless and not necessary; I like to suggest that they first work toward getting rid of their local town's police force and then move on up to the county and state; then the National Guard.  Because they are all doing the same job, just on a different scale.  If someone truly believes that we don't need the military, then they must also believe that people in the United States are all honest and good and will police themselves without any outside help.  I've never found a taker for that argument yet.

My favorite moment of the concert came when they dedicated Philip Phillips song "Home" to all the spouses that create a home for them where ever they have to go, often with very little notice.  As they sang, I heard it as an acknowledgement of what we feel as we create homes for our husbands and children (and in some cases wives and children); and a poignant reference to PTSD, TBI and other injuries plaguing our community.  

Songwriters: GREG HOLDEN, ANDREW PEARSON

Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm going to make this place your home