What a Difference

I have always felt a great camaraderie with the Marines. Even though I am an old soldier much of the thought processes are the same. Below is a comparative video from YouTube that I think speaks volumes about how troops in general but Marines in particular feel about the current President.

Any time there is a VIP visit there is much that goes into the assembly of the troops involved. In all likely hood the troops arrive as much as an hour or two before POTUS does and you are likely to have to be standing at attention or parade rest 10-15 minutes before he actually walks out on stage. All in all, a 'Dog and Pony' show that no PFC likes but is more willing when you believe the President is more like you than different; and has the common bond of basic training and military service. After all he signed the same blank check that says I'll give everything I have including my life for your freedom.

I would suspect that there was no prompting on the Commands part for the focus and intensity of either reception; just the natural grunt marine's view. It means a lot to those who have served to have high ranking politicians who are veterans come and visit them and talk to them. It is something quite different when high ranking politicians come and talk to them with a policy statement. It makes them a backdrop instead of the audience and they all know the difference.

It is also worth noting that even with the difference in the reception of the two Presidents, that in all respects the Marines are polite, and respectful. It would not serve the good order of the service to be anything less. But it does serve to show the difference of having a Comrade in Arms as the President and one that chose not to serve.

If you see it differently please comment. Thanks