Milestones

Our First Cavalry Division Association produces a bi-monthly newspaper called "SABER". In my current issue, a former Trooper expressed feeling depressed about an up-coming birthday. From his age, I would assume a Viet Nam era veteran. I remember some of the feelings he expressed and I sent the following message to him via e-mail.
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I just received my January/February SABER. Let me wish you a very happy
__ birthdayI understand your having felt a little depressed. It's along about there when we feel like we might be the old warrior on a tired mount in the sculptor "End of The Trail." It's good that you are able to reshape yourself physically and keep moving: never give up.

I've been having a few of those depressed feelings recently: reading a lot of obituaries and attending many funerals. I got aquainted with a WWII veteran when I rode the bus he drove five nights a week. He was with Patton's Cavalry Relief Column to the Bulge but he didn't talk it much; our ride together was only twenty miles. His age at death last week was 96 years. I was saddened by his death but I decided I am not quite as old as had thought myself to be. I'll only be 88 years in two weeks.

In my mid-sixties I coudn't imagine what was ahead. I had just buried my childrens Mother. I was retiring. I faced life in an empty house since my childen were grown. I have married and buried another good wife since that time. and inumerable friends

I was with the Eighth Cavalry Regiment on Luzon in 1945 and went to Japan upon their surrender. Today, I don't get around very fast but I am enjoying life to an extent that I could not imagine. Instead of being buried in my house, I have a computer and I love to write. I've written many articles and I write a blog. Like the old slogan of the British Empire; The Sun Never Sets On My Facebook Friends.

I seem to be useful and involved with the three generations of my descendants and their friends. What I'm saying is this: Give that old steed a good currying, a quart of oats, and a night's rest, polish your spurs and press your uniform. Get ready for a wonderful ride to places you never dreamed. HONOR AND COURAGE.
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I have edited this content slightly from the e-mail I sent. Some of us are still answering muster. Don't sound retreat while the sun is still high, and, don't sound taps until all is still.