in the vastness of the ….
in the vastness of the Pacific, Korea in a winter so cold the snow blew through Busan like talcum powder in the streets. I spent a year homeported in Japan, taking every possible moment to ride the trains as far as my money would let me, seeing lots of country, including the incredible Tokyo, sprung up from the firestorms of the war to a beautiful, confusing, neon-lit giant of a city.
We were out once off the coast of Honshu on a training cruise, working around the clock to pass qualifications. It was hard work and wearing. We went to battle stations over and over, drilling and drilling, in daytime, at night, endlessly. One day we broke for lunch and then as usual, some of us went to the fantail for coffee and a smoke. It was overcast, but all at once the clouds parted to reveal the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, serene and beautiful. For once none of us had any words. We just finished out drinks and went inside for more drills. That, my friends, was the Navy I served in, the one you gave to me. I owe you for all that, and manhood, and a few other details courtesy of the G.I. Bill.
But if you want to thank me, do this: have your kids or grandchildren join the service. It will do them, and the country, much good.
