Many Thanks to All! by Anne Elizabeth

I am deeply honored to be a member of this a nation, a place where we willingly share and provide gratitude. This month we celebrated Thanksgiving and I must admit that it is one of my favorite holidays.  The unique spirit that is heralded throughout these United States as we stop our ordinary daily tasks to gather together and express our heartfelt messages of joy.  The time of sharing gratitude may be long or short, but together – as one people – we embrace this basic principle with our family, friends, community, and even more wonderfully strangers.  In my heart, this essence of kindness and morality is a precious time and worth relating to the military path for it makes me think of those who sacrifice for this nation.  Thus, when I talked to my husband about this month’s blog, my favorite retired Navy SEAL suggested I share the U.S. Navy SEAL Ethos.  This is an ethical belief, too, born out of courage, dedication, and a singular spirit — in the same way, we as a nation celebrate a cultural or spiritual oneness.

Here is the ethos, taken directly from the Naval Special Warfare Command Public Website (http://www.public.navy.mil/nsw/pages/EthosCreed.aspx):

“In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

 

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me - my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.”

 

Every time I read these words, a lump of emotion forms in my throat.  The faces of men who have passed from this earth surface in my mind, those who are fighting today, and those that will fight in the future. I have to force myself not to let the tears fall.  It is such an extraordinary role to be a warrior.  I am in awe of our servicemen and women!  Their sacrifice is great and I hope they feel the love and respect we hold for them.  HOOYAH!  To ALL OF YOU!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!  As we continue to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving, may these rare individuals know how tremendously they are thought of, thanked, and appreciated.

What are you grateful for, or what do you think of the Navy SEAL Ethos?  What would your own personal creed be about?  Mine would begin with the following words:  I bring the best of myself to...