Comments on: Marine Sings Fourth Verse of National Anthem

By: Peggy

Peggy — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:43:15 +0000

I have had two husbands and many friends that were in the military. The difference between a “former” and “retired” is the number of years served. Former–the serviceperson serves less years required to received retirement benefits. Depending on the branch of service, the number of years of service, and possibly other criteria..a serviceperson may get retirement.

By: Kathy B

Kathy B — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:30:35 +0000

My answer would be that when some people speak ‘impromtu’ words do not always come through as others think they should, especially when nervous. (You can hear ‘stage nerves’ in his voice.) Sometimes when I speak, at this age in my life, the word that comes out is not necessarily the word I would have chosen had I had time to think it through first. We all know once a Marine always a Marine and I would bet the vet in this piece would have liked to retract his use of the word ‘former’ if he could.

By: Brenda F.

Brenda F. — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:49:50 +0000

I know several people retired from the military. Their question to me when I sent this video to them was “why does he refer to himself as a ‘former’ Marine and not a ‘retired’ Marine?”
They all stated that all (retired) military service persons say “I’m retired from….” but never as “I’m a former …..”.
Does anyone have an answer?
Thanks.

By: Kayleen Flynn

Kayleen Flynn — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:04:16 +0000

YES!!! LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing, as I will do the same.

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:21:53 +0000

WOW!!! WONDERFUL!! Thank you.

By: James Young

James Young — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:17:28 +0000

I once saw a guy — a political science professor — who sang the THIRD verse in full voice in the lobby of the New Orleans Marriott.