"We have the watch sir"... Do we really?

"Now that we have the watch, are we worthy? Do we have what it takes? Well love it or hate it, the watch is ours now. Let's hope at the end of our watch, we are remembered for doing a good job. For doing this country proud. We owe it to the ones who will follow." 

One of the tributes to President Bush was a traditional Navy farewell to a fallen shipmate. At the end of the tribute it said, "We have the watch sir." When I read that, it stopped me for a minute. Put me into somewhat of a rumination. I have had "the watch" many times while serving. Many of us vets have. When it is our turn to take the watch, we assume the duties, and tell the person who was on watch that he or she is relieved. At that point in time, you are responsible. Period. Nobody else to blame if things go wrong. It is your baby until you are relieved.

I thought about the kind of man President Bush was. He was a lot of things, but mostly he was an adult. I know that sounds funny, but he was a President who did the most important job on Earth acting like an adult. So, now that he is gone, and "we have the watch", what does that mean for us? Who do we have that will guide this nation through the choppy waters ahead. I mean, I love President Trump, but he is no President Bush. Different styles completely. 

I look on the Democrat side, the ones who are being considered for a run for the White House, and I don't know if I should laugh or cry. There is not one among them who has even a tinge of the leadership this country needs right now. Not one is an adult. I look at the state of Minnesota. The new "leadership" team. Who are the adults there? Come next month, they, along with a whole slew of socialists in the House, will "assume the watch". Are they ready for prime time? Heck, most are barely ready for potty time.

In his lifetime, President Bush fought in World War II. In fact, for a while, he was the Navy's youngest pilot. As President, he presided over one of the greatest military victories this nation has ever been involved in - Desert Storm. Also as President (during the same term), he presided over another great victory - this one without firing a shot. He won the Cold War. History will judge this fine man very well. This humble servant, who assumed the watch many times, kept this nation, this world, safe. 

Maybe American History needs to be taught over many years in school, and not just a semester. In fact, one semester could be just about (I am going to borrow this JFK term), "Profiles in Courage". Only the course could be renamed to be "Profiles in courage, leadership and humility". 

Of all the gifts he was blessed with, I think his greatest gift was his love for people. He had no room in his heart for hatred or grudges. He loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved this nation with a red hot passion. That is how this great man assumed the watch.

Now that we have the watch, are we worthy? Do we have what it takes? Love it or hate it, the watch is ours now. Let's hope at the end of our watch, we are remembered for doing a good job. For doing this country proud. We owe it to the ones who will follow.