The Watch

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends and Family,
Since the year 1987, this man has stood the watch,
While some of us were in our bunks at night,
This sailor, he stood the watch,

While some of us were in school learning our trade,
This warrior, he stood the watch,

Yes...even before some of us were born into this world,
Your father, he stood the watch,

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history,
This great American, he stood the watch,

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there,
Needing his guidance and help,
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times,
But he still stood the watch,

He stood the watch for over thirty years,
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, each and every night,
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch,

Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved,
Relieved by those you have trained , guided, and led,
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side...Shipmate's going Ashore.."

#RelieveTheWatch #RetirementCeremony #Military