Stewart ... I hear you (a year later ...
), and appreciate the sentiment ... but ... I have stood at attention at 8th and I (Marine Barracks, Washington DC and home of the Commandant -- the only federal building not burnt by the Brits in 1812 out of respect for the defense put up by the Marines and Sailors at the Battle of Bladensburg) at Sunset for the Marines' Hymn. It is a stirring experience.
BUT ...
I have also stood on the Ways at Bath Iron Works on more than one occasion to hear a Navy band swing into "Anchors Aweigh" as the champagne bottle smashes and a new frigate, destroyer or cruiser suddenly lurches backwards and slides into the sea (or river, as is the case at Bath). While I was a Midshipman ('83 to '87) I was able to attend launches during my leave periods, thanks to Mom and Dad who were both long-time employees at BIW. Standing there, in uniform as a proud Navy sailor, saluting as Bath's finest joins the sea to the strains of "Anchors Aweigh" and a cheering crowd ...There are very few cooler things than that.
Sadly, BIW no longer builds/launches ships traditionally (on an inclined ways) -- the new Level Launch Facility lowers the ship into the water vertically. Its just not the same.
And to all my fellow veterans ... *IF* you read the Commander In Chief's "proclamation" ... I hope you made it to the head before you threw up. Absolutely nauseating coming from that piece of human garbage.
Semper Fi!
"On Navy down the field
Sails set to the sky!
We'll never change our course
So Army you steer shy!
Roll up the score, Navy
Anchors aweigh!
We'll never stop until we
Sink the Army, sink the Army grey!!"
