February 20, 2025 marked the 50th Anniversary of my swearing an oath to "defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and that I would  bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”, in which I wore a naval uniform for 18 years.  

The flag in my front yard has blue, red and green stripes representing justice, safety and freedom. As a 'Man of Faith' I know that one day there will be peace on earth where nations will no longer prepare for war. Shiny medals and colorful ribbons will no longer adorn military uniforms but will simply become trinkets in the hands of kids. 

And the whizzing of bullets and explosive blasts of war that inevitably lead to the melancholic, haunting echo of silver taps which tears the soul, will be subdued by the sounds of joyous innocence from giggling children, happily clapping hands while playing 'patty cake'.