The following is a father's advice to his son just moments before he gets on the bus that will carry him off to join the Navy…
"Son, you are getting ready to embark on a great adventure as many of the men in our family have done since your great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather did many hundreds of years ago.”
His son starts to turn as his Dad stops him…
“There will be many dangers ahead that you will encounter. Remember your training and obey your commanders, this will keep you alive during the arduous days of battle. Always stay with the plan, if you deviate from it you will be in grave jeopardy.”
His son looks at him with pride…
“When the time of battle is over, be wary as you go into the towns and cities ahead because there are many hidden dangers lurking there. There will be many temptations to lure you away from your brothers in arms and this could put you in danger even if it seems safe at the time. In every town there will be a street that will be most treacherous of all there will be strong drink to dull your senses, loud and crude songs to suppress your hearing, and wild women of ill repute to enable your enemy to catch you off guard.”
“When the time of battle is over, be wary as you go into the towns and cities ahead because there are many hidden dangers lurking there. There will be many temptations to lure you away from your brothers in arms and this could put you in danger even if it seems safe at the time. In every town there will be a street that will be most treacherous of all there will be strong drink to dull your senses, loud and crude songs to suppress your hearing, and wild women of ill repute to enable your enemy to catch you off guard.”
“My advice to you as a former sailor is simple… Whatever you do... FIND THAT STREET!!!"
Absofuckinglutely!
ReplyDeleteWhen I joined up, my father told me to watch out for drink and what he termed "prostitute women." Walking Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo I watched out for both and they were not difficult to discern. Thanks, Dad.
ReplyDeleteDad told me to keep your eyes & ears open & your mouth shut. Couldn't do that in Subic cause my tongue was always hard:)
ReplyDeleteSage advice from another old salt.
ReplyDeleteEvery port it was the first place i weny
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