"Good Morning, Ranger!"

[MalahatTwo7]

That was the saluation that greeted me the other day while coming up from the Navy Memorial/National Archives metro station. It didnt take a Rocket Scientist to realize he was calling out to me.

What I saw was an older gentleman - about 70? (maybe less - maybe more) striped down to his waist, with razor in hand, standing under the Hancock statue. After I greeted back, as was only proper, he waved and said "Thank you for your service."

Now I am sure that he didn't quite notice that my uniform is Canadian and not US, but the green beret was prominent enough in the morning sun; thats something that I accept as a "It Just Is" fact.

The reason I post this is because salutations of a similar nature have started to become common place again, at least in the past few weeks. Most of them are older folks who have said "Thank You", and I appreciate each and everyone. However, I am under no illusion that is just "me" they are calling to. Its to each and every service member both home and abroad, and in the end, the uniform colour or service matters not to these people, the appreication is the the same, with the same intent and strength that goes with it.

So....

HAT's OFF TO ALL YOU US SERVICE PERSONNEL, because I am sure thats what the Old Guy intended it to mean, even if he didn't originally pass it to the "right guy". :D

[DFurtman]

That was the saluation that greeted me the other day while coming up from the Navy Memorial/National Archives metro station. It didnt take a Rocket Scientist to realize he was calling out to me.

What I saw was an older gentleman - about 70? (maybe less - maybe more) striped down to his waist, with razor in hand, standing under the Hancock statue. After I greeted back, as was only proper, he waved and said "Thank you for your service."

Now I am sure that he didn't quite notice that my uniform is Canadian and not US, but the green beret was prominent enough in the morning sun; thats something that I accept as a "It Just Is" fact.

The reason I post this is because salutations of a similar nature have started to become common place again, at least in the past few weeks. Most of them are older folks who have said "Thank You", and I appreciate each and everyone. However, I am under no illusion that is just "me" they are calling to. Its to each and every service member both home and abroad, and in the end, the uniform colour or service matters not to these people, the appreication is the the same, with the same intent and strength that goes with it.

So....

HAT's OFF TO ALL YOU US SERVICE PERSONNEL, because I am sure thats what the Old Guy intended it to mean, even if he didn't originally pass it to the "right guy". :D

Hats off to you also Mr Canuckistani..

We're in this as a team.. no matter the pattern on our cammies.

-Damien

[pkfd7505]

That was the saluation that greeted me the other day while coming up from the Navy Memorial/National Archives metro station. It didnt take a Rocket Scientist to realize he was calling out to me.

What I saw was an older gentleman - about 70? (maybe less - maybe more) striped down to his waist, with razor in hand, standing under the Hancock statue. After I greeted back, as was only proper, he waved and said "Thank you for your service."

Now I am sure that he didn't quite notice that my uniform is Canadian and not US, but the green beret was prominent enough in the morning sun; thats something that I accept as a "It Just Is" fact.

The reason I post this is because salutations of a similar nature have started to become common place again, at least in the past few weeks. Most of them are older folks who have said "Thank You", and I appreciate each and everyone. However, I am under no illusion that is just "me" they are calling to. Its to each and every service member both home and abroad, and in the end, the uniform colour or service matters not to these people, the appreication is the the same, with the same intent and strength that goes with it.

So....

HAT's OFF TO ALL YOU US SERVICE PERSONNEL, because I am sure thats what the Old Guy intended it to mean, even if he didn't originally pass it to the "right guy". :D

Don't count on that Mal, many of the people I know are almost as thankful to our allies as we are our own veterans. Hats off back at ya Mal, ya wild Canuck.

[martinm]

Rick, you've been "south of the border" too long if you did'nt bat an eyelid at a pensioner standing in the street of a US city 1/2 naked, having a shave....!!!;) :D

[mvfd27]

Thank You Malahat27 and others who serve or have served the US and other countries...you guys are the best and have my respect!!! Take care and stay safe all!:)

[MalahatTwo7]

Rick, you've been "south of the border" too long if you did'nt bat an eyelid at a pensioner standing in the street of a US city 1/2 naked, having a shave....!!!;) :D

YA GO THAT ONE RIGHT! Martin. I saw him again the next day, snoozed out on the retaining wall next to the metro entrance. He has not been around since, as far as I know.

And he aint the 1/2 of it - I've seen WORSE! :D :eek:

[JonathanG]

Malahat,

Thanks for posting this. Always good to see respect for our Armed Service men and women. I myself am not a member of the military, but am planning on it when I get older.

God Bless you guys who serve and dedicate your years, however many they were/are, to our Nation.

[DonSmithnotTMD]

When I came back from leave, the reception in Atlanta was pretty amazing. People would say thanks, take pictures. Even a few Europeans, not counting the two drunk chicks from the UK.

Oh yea, thanks for your service, Rick. Your guys are kicking a lot of a$$ despite the trouble with the Leopards.

Yep you can sleep soundly

[CaptainGonzo]

:D Can we call you "Ranger Rick?" :D

[MalahatTwo7]

:D Can we call you "Ranger Rick?" :D

Sigh... wouldnt be a "first" time...... :o :D However as indicated in another thread, I DO NOT jump out of perfectly serviceable aircraft, unless it has all wheels FIRMLY on the ground. :p

[DonSmithnotTMD]

I DO NOT jump out of perfectly serviceable aircraft,


You guys have those? Ours are operated by the air force and always a lil suspect

[MalahatTwo7]

You guys have those? Ours are operated by the air force and always a lil suspect

:) I was actually thinking civilian a/c but I wont jump of the "suspect" military a/c {and we have plenty o them too} either.

Simply said, "Homey do'n jump for nobody." :D:D