This is a saying from the days of wooden
ships and iron men.It goes back to the time of the Lifesaving
Service.
This saying holds true
for the Coastguardsmen and women of our present times.
These dedicated people
are called upon day in and day out to respond to distress calls
to preserve the lives and propety of those at sea.
These men and women are not super heros
but just plain everyday people have enlisted and volunteered to
do this important task.
Volunteer:one who enters into any
service.Especially military service or a hazardous undertaking,of
his own free will.
Many of these people have answered the
call under the most of extreme conditions and have not returned.
some were shipmates of mine,many were before my time and after my
time but to me they are all comrades in arms.I am very proud to
say that we were in the same profession and I honor their memory.
We're always ready for the
call,
We place our trust in Thee.
Through howling gale and shot and shell,
To win our victory.
"Semper Paratus" is our guide,
Our pledge, our motto too.
We're "Always Ready" do or die!
Aye! Coast Guard we are for you!
So here's the Coast Guard
battle song,
We fight on land or sea.
Through howling gale and shot and shell,
To win our victory.
"Semper Paratus" is our guide,
Our pledge, our motto too.
We're "Always Ready" do or die!
Aye! Coast Guard we are for you!
Oh, I have
slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced
the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward
I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split
clouds--and done a hundred things
You have
not dreamed of--wheeled and soared and swung
High in
the sunlit silence, Hov'ring there,
I've
chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager
craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the
long, delirious, burning blue
I've
topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where
never lark, or even eagle flew
And, while
with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high
untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my
hand, and touched the face of God
By Pilot Officer JOHN
GILLISPIE MAGEE, JR. No 412 Squadron, RCAF (1922-1941)
Below is a rendition
of a memorial to be dedicated to Coast Guard Aviation personel
who hase lost their lives in the line of duty.
It is hopefully to be
dedicated on Coast Guard Day 2000 at Elizabeth City near the base
chapel.
It is being built by
private donations.
