Salute to Commander John P. Hibbs

 If you are ever invited to attend any military function---go!!  Don't miss it for anything. Having some experience in the military arena, I knew that the retirement ceremony for CDR(Commander) Hibbs would be one full of rich tradition, pride, sacrifice, and honor. And I was not disappointed.  In normal Waldon fashion, we right on time, which really means we were almost late.

We were ushered to our seats which were saved for us in the second row.  The boys were in heaven seeing all the military stuff there.  The National Anthem was sung a capella.  It was gorgeous and came from a little tiny enlisted woman.  By the way, put your hand over your heart and sing the National Anthem!!   That means SO much to all of the military personnel and veterans who protect us and fight for our freedom.  After that we saw all the awards, certificates, and the presentation of his shadowbox.  It was very impressive and I'm sure a whole room in his house will be devoted to this , if it is not already.  We had the pleasure of hearing from a Navy Seal!!  Yes a real Navy Seal.  Later Jack got to sit next to him and talk to him at dinner.  He has been in the Navy for 22 years and he is a Seal.  That is an accomplishment !!  He states that he goes to 1 funeral a month for a Navy Seal.   He spoke very highly about Commander Hibbs and his commitment and sacrifice.  Of course, by now, all Navy experience that I have had starts flashing through my mind.  It seems like a lifetime ago that I was a girlfriend watching a ceremony for Wade.  All these emotions start to flow, so I start to cry.  And just as I start to compose myself somewhat they start the next part which is the reading of Olde Glory. Not only are they reading this poem, but they are passing the flag through the ranks that CDR Hibbs achieved, with America the Beautiful being sung in the background.  They end with CDR. Hibbs taking the flag and giving it to Irene(his wife.) 

Well by the end of this part of the program, I have gone through all the spare tissue I had in my purse.  My family is giving me a puzzled look wondering why there is a waterfall flowing from my eyes. Sam leaves his seat to give me a hug and rub my back to comfort me( he is my sensitive one). I am relieved that I wore waterproof mascara and my makeup setting spray.  You get the picture--I was a mess.

I know why I was a mess.  For only 5 years, I got a small glimpse of what a military man sacrifices.  I know the dangers.  I know the risks.  I know the hardships his family and loved ones go through when he leaves. Most return safely, but there are the ones-the sons, the daughters,the mothers, the fathers, the brothers, the sisters, the fiance, the husband, the wife, the friend who doesn't return.   And as a token of what they fought for , the flag returns in their place-- to the arms of a grieving mother,a  wife, a husband.   You see freedom comes at a price.  I think most of us take it for granted--really--- until something happens like September 11.  

CDR. Hibbs gets up and starts talking about his naval experience and his love for his family.  He tells us that he was not going to have a retirement ceremony.  He did it for his kids.  Boy, I am so grateful he changed his mind.  I know that our whole family was deeply affected by this experience.  We all will benefit from the gift of this ceremony for years to come.

The end of the ceremony was the best.  The reading of "The Watch".

The Watch

For twenty years
Commander Hibbs has stood the watch
While some of us were in our bunks at night
Commander Hibbs stood the watch
While some of us were in school learning our trade
Commander Hibbs stood the watch
Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
Commander Hibbs stood the watch
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
Commander Hibbs 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 twenty 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
'Commander Hibbs... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Lead
Comander Hibbs you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."
"Boatswain..Standby to pipe the side...Commander Hibbs going Ashore.."

Surprise--the tears started flowing again.  I was in awe.  I was proud. I was filled with gratitude that there are men and woman that stand "The Watch" for me and my family even when I am not aware of it.  Thank you Commander John P. Hibbs for standing the watch for 20 years.  We salute you and your accomplishments.  We wish you nothing but the very best as you and your lovely family enter into the civilian world and workplace.