This past week has had a special meaning to me.
Everyone now and then, I’m sure, understands that we have thoughts that are related to our past experiences.
We read about and also witness several events in our lives.
We can go to the Internet and find out what happened on this day in history, and find so much information dating back several hundred years.
But if we want to keep it relevant to our lives, we can remember something special and meaningful for a lifetime.
Today, I’m remembering a blast from the past during my time in the Military and going to Combat and earning a combat patch for my right shoulder.
Although it didn’t initially start that way in my mind, I was put in a situation that soldiers train for when called on by the President of the United States or the Commander in Chief under the Constitution of the United States.
I served under the authority of George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States. A veteran of World War II.
George H. W. Bush: Desert Storm President – HubPages
The Commander of Operations Desert Storm was General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose father had gone to West Point and served in World War I.
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, USA | Academy of Achievement
Although General H. Norman Schwarzkopf died long after the war, his legacy still lives on, just like George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States.
What a powerful combination of leaders.
Nevertheless, for me, it was a blast from the past, whereas leaders came together to support freedom.
There are times in uniform when you don’t question the leaders appointed over you, and what an honor to have served during that time in my life.
The Gulf War 1990-1991 (Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm) happened 35 years ago.
“The Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991), was a war waged by coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait. The war consisted of two phases, the first was codenamed Operation Desert Shield (2 August 1990 – 17 January 1991) for operations leading to the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia. And the second was Operation Desert Storm (17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991) was the combat phase.”
The Gulf War 1990-1991 (Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm)
For those who are history buffs over 80 years there was a blast from the past when the United States dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki – Causes, Impact & Deaths
“The United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6, 1945, and August 9, 1945, respectively. The bombings killed between 129,000 and 226,000 people, most of whom were civilians, and remain the only use of nuclear weapons in an armed conflict.
Although many in the public don’t know who the Hibakusha are, it’s something that we should be aware of and not as a celebration.
“Hibakusha” is a Japanese word for the Nagasaki and Hiroshima victims who survived the initial bombings.
Hibakusha: Stories of Survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki | PBS
I intend for you to know that we all have very blast from our past, some are good and some are bad.
How we remember our past is up to us.
Today, I’m remembering going to war to protect the freedom of the United States.
“The US said Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and was a threat to international peace, but most countries refused to support military action against it.”
Why did the US and allies invade Iraq, 20 years ago?
For those who have worn the uniform, we take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States.
The Oath of Enlistment (for enlisted):
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
The Oath of Office (for officers):
“I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the _____ (Military Branch) of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.”
The US Military Oath of Enlistment | Military.com
Today, as you take a moment and look back in time, I challenge you to think about August or any month that taught lessons you have learned that you continue to benefit from even years later.
“Remembering the past gives power to the present.” — Fae Myenne Ng
Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/blast-from-the-past/
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