My thanks and congratulations to all the members of The NS who made this day a very memorable day for me..I met many of my former class mates ...shipmates and peers and was truly honoured to be remembered amongst their ranks .
It was strange to find young people serving on ships that were visited and crewed by people who had served on these vessels from their inception.... strange to find people who did not know the depravations of the past ..but who sympathised with the plight of their fore bearers.
I was enlightened to see people carrying on unquestionably what had been previously thought as mere tradition to them it is a way of life
Much has changed but the core qualities of the people in service hasn't changed
I met the man who enlisted me in the SM many years ago who has retired but still looks as fit and healthy as he did twenty years ago...and I want to thank the Officers who treated me so well on my discharge from the NS.. the guys I served with and have been promoted through the ranks that we only dreamed off..and the guys who stayed through thick and thin to make the NS its today...a highly respected force.
My self and a former colleague..who also posts... here stood on the flag deck of the LE Aoife...he had served on her ..I had not ..we watched his kids being looked after by the guys on the deck.and we were both agreed...we were both impressed...and ****ing well proud to have served in this service.
I photographed the old billets but would not go inside for fear that I would recognise the place where he punched out the wall in his frustration....
John I miss you......
The NS has done itself proud and all members of the DF whether they be reserve of permanent have the right to be proud...Whilst i can't speak for the entire DF...Any one who has passed through this way of life should be proud.
On a sadder note it has been brought to my attention that some of the former members have fallen on hard times...they did their bit if some one rattles acollection box in your face to help these guys out throw them a few quid......there were once as we were.....
An Serbhis Cabhlaigh...The Naval Service
It was strange to find young people serving on ships that were visited and crewed by people who had served on these vessels from their inception.... strange to find people who did not know the depravations of the past ..but who sympathised with the plight of their fore bearers.
I was enlightened to see people carrying on unquestionably what had been previously thought as mere tradition to them it is a way of life
Much has changed but the core qualities of the people in service hasn't changed
I met the man who enlisted me in the SM many years ago who has retired but still looks as fit and healthy as he did twenty years ago...and I want to thank the Officers who treated me so well on my discharge from the NS.. the guys I served with and have been promoted through the ranks that we only dreamed off..and the guys who stayed through thick and thin to make the NS its today...a highly respected force.
My self and a former colleague..who also posts... here stood on the flag deck of the LE Aoife...he had served on her ..I had not ..we watched his kids being looked after by the guys on the deck.and we were both agreed...we were both impressed...and ****ing well proud to have served in this service.
I photographed the old billets but would not go inside for fear that I would recognise the place where he punched out the wall in his frustration....
John I miss you......
The NS has done itself proud and all members of the DF whether they be reserve of permanent have the right to be proud...Whilst i can't speak for the entire DF...Any one who has passed through this way of life should be proud.
On a sadder note it has been brought to my attention that some of the former members have fallen on hard times...they did their bit if some one rattles acollection box in your face to help these guys out throw them a few quid......there were once as we were.....
An Serbhis Cabhlaigh...The Naval Service
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