Silently They Move

Silently they move, across the landscape of our land. Over decades and by the millions the lips of American men and women have taken the oath to wear the cloth of the nation. Silently, they move among us. Fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. This is the thread of our own families. But we recognize it as a thread woven yet more deeply into the tapestry of our nation.

Silently they move, picking up orders to perform training. Moving into deserts and the mountainous regions, onto the seas and into the air; traveling to areas with temperatures most would disdain, they sweat and they freeze, going days with limited sleep to learn the craft of military defense.

Silently they move, to the defense of our nation. They guard our borders from within and also from beyond the perimeter of national soil when the nation calls. Lacing up their boots in the quiet light of early day before children are awakened for a trip to the airport, a quiet force. Loading their packs, checking for dogtags and orders, they take once last quick look around the home and at the family pet; a last look at the neighborhood as they set their gaze toward the task ahead.

Silently they move, the wounded of war, who need our support. The wheelchairs and the amputees, the ones with the limp or the scars all have a story to tell. But those who suffer PTSD are not recognizable in the grocery line next to you. The sights and the sounds of war are still within their frames. They are home, but the memories are not laid to rest. They are also the wounded. It is not a dishonorable wound. But it remains the one for which there will be no ribbon awarded for service. They move among us. Honorably and silently.

Silently they move, the families who bury their dead. Casket graced with flag, bugle like mournful dove, men and women laid to rest into the ground which they loved. Black hearse leaves, families return to their home, yellow ribbon on the front door with flag hoisted on pole.

Silently we move, the bundle of the living military which remains. Never denying our oath. Never forgetting those who have already paid the ultimate price. Mindful of the families left behind. Silently we stand. A massive shield of defense for America. God Bless our Troops.



Semper Fi,

LCDR Tammy Swofford, USNR, NC