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Semper Fi means Always Faithful. It’s the motto of the Marine Corps, which
is a segment of the US Navy. The Marines do whatever the federal government
tells them to do, and the government always talks about how important the
Marines are and how grateful the government is. So when a former marine, James
Reid, recently applied for a Purple Heart for a wound that he received while
serving in the Korean War more than 50 years ago, he expected no problems. But a
Navy official said that they had no more Purple Hearts. If Reid wanted one, he
could buy it at a military supply store. “They’re only $42,” said Arthur
Chertoff. “It’s not exactly like buying a new car.”
However, the 75-year-old Reid subsists on a military pension that barely
covers his rent. His daughter and son send him money for food, transportation,
and other expenses. “Well, then, let your kids pay for it,” Chertoff said when
Reid told him that he depended on his kids for living expenses. So Reid asked
his son for $42 for the medal. His son got so upset about the ungratefulness of
the Navy that he called the local newspaper.
The local newspaper printed a front page article about how the Navy
couldn’t be bothered to pay for and present Reid his Purple Heart 50 years after
his injury. Network television news picked up the story. The Navy, of course,
was immediately embarrassed. Somehow, officials found the money and the time to
buy Reid his Purple Heart and even make a ceremonial presentation.
“We are always eager and happy to show that we take care of our own,” said
the broadly smiling Chertoff as he presented Reid the medal in front of TV news
cameras. “Thank you so much for your service to your country.” |
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发表于 2016-7-10 09:22:32