The media bonfires are still blazing and this week has provided them the expected quota of dry kindling to keep them smoldering…Herman Cain’s trial by court of public opinion…Rick Perry’s “oops”…Occupy Harvard Yaaad…Italy’s “Crisi Economico”…not to mention the Penn State/ Paterno scandal!   What a sensational, undignified mess.   How far have we descended into the abyss and when did we lose our moral compass?
Regrettably, in the midst of all this noise, the 236th birthday of the US Marine Corps (Nov. 10) and Veterans’ Day (Nov. 11) will have quietly come and gone.   As a proud member of the 22d Marine Association, I cannot let these dates go by without suitable respect and reverence.
My father was an 8-year, decorated Marine veteran; and my mother contributed to the war effort as a welder in the bilges of the destroyers built at the Hingham Shipyard.   Many of us share this very familiar, touching and patriotic story.
Yesterday, on the 236th birthday of the US Marine Corps, Lieutenant General John F. Kelly, the son of a postal worker from Brighton (a combat veteran, three-star general, and senior military adviser to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta), addressed an enthusiastic group of more than 1,000 active and retired veterans at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
His speech came one day after the first anniversary of the death of his son, Marine Second Lieutenant Robert M. Kelly, in southern Afghanistan.  However, his uplifting message transcended his personal loss and helped illuminate the true meaning of service to our country.   His comments linger.
Today, about 1% of Americans actually serve in the military.   During WWII, a random knock on any three doors would reveal that two homes had family members actively serving.   Today, the statistics are 1 in about 120 households.  Of course, today we have an all-volunteer military that recruits about 40k each year while discharging about 37k at the same time.  This seems to be a good balance and serves our national security.
More importantly, after their 4 year enlistment, America benefits from the moral and economic attributes of these returning soldiers as drug-free, alcohol-free, highly motivated   and patriotic citizens.  They have accomplished much and understand the value of personal discipline and integrity.   It is no surprise that they often choose service careers like law enforcement, fire and public safety.  The CEO’s of 260 of the Fortune 500 corporations are retired Marine Corps veterans.
But, the overriding emphasis here is that AMERICA BENEFITS from their service and their families’ sacrifice.   Our country is morally stronger and a world leader because of these unselfish patriots.   So, if you can, donate to Veterans’ causes like (Operation Fisher House -www.fisherhouse.org); support our returning heroes and consider hiring a Vet.   Both you and your country will be glad you did.
Semper Fi
–Ron Papa

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