We’ve lived through hard times and a couple of wars –
And we’ve laughed, and we’ve cursed and we’ve cried;
But in danger or weather, the crew stuck together,
And I think on my shipmates with pride!
A thousand long nights, and some ports with strange names,
And ‘crossing the Line’ at a price;
There was plenty of danger – he was never a stranger,
Or his pals: baking sun, wintry ice.
The enemy came – sought us each then, by name,
Sent us greetings from full fathom five.
Where our dads went before, to another damned war,
And, like we, knuckled down and survived.
With the wind in the yards, like a choir of bards
Serenaded us, day after day,
In combat or weather, the crew stuck together,
As the bosun piped: “ Anchors Aweigh!”
So, in lean times – or gravy, thank God for the Navy,
And its heroic, tough kin, the Marines!
In the ultimate finding, there’s no need for reminding
What we’ll find up on Heavenly scenes.
Shipmates, hoist up your glasses, e’re this festive time passes,
Let us honor the Fleet and its fame,
And in nautical chorus, toast the Service before us,
Unsullied and honored, by Name.
Steve Myers, in PA
010211
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