by Helen V. Lundt
My husband’s son, Lawrence Lundt, is the sort that is always testing himself; trying to be better, stronger - something. He spent four years in Fort Bragg as a Ranger. From there he was in the Gulf War. When he was discharged, he decided he wanted to be a New York City Policeman, as this runs in his family. Now he is that, too. But it’s not enough. Next, during this turbulent period, this time of Iraq vs. the world, Larry decided to try out for The Green Berets. This past year he has done just that. He graduated November 7, 2003, as Staff Sergeant, Weapons Specialist, The Green Berets. He will be in the Reserves, and I know will be glad to help his Country as needed.
Funny, here I am writing this on Veterans Day. I didn’t plan it that way.
Anyway, Bob and I went to Larry’s graduation from the Green Berets in North Carolina. Part of the celebration was outside, the day before they graduated, around a huge statue of the man noted for starting the famous group. His name is Arthur D. (Bull) Simons. Sun glinted off the bronze statue of “Bull”, one leg bent behind, his gun held firmly, looking steadily forward. All the young men to graduate, most with family and friends around, traded their hats for the beret, given them by the senior officers. The beret was snapped on, it’s insignia in front very prominent. There were big smiles and hand shakes among them, hugs from their friends and relatives. They were now Green Berets, Special Forces of the United States of America.
The day was beautiful, eighty-three degrees F. We went to the Civic Center for the graduation ceremony half an hour early and already, the parking lot was filled with cars. People swarmed around outside, along with the new graduates, excited for them. Flash bulbs were going off and a young man, all in dress greens, holding his infant son had his picture taken. Another young man, his arm around his girlfriend, who had on a clinging black dress with tiny shoulder straps, said “I did it, hon, I did it!“ She kissed him. Moms and Dads were there for the event, their expressions more concerned. They stood by their sons, and seemed surprised that there was so much happiness during this period. As I walked around, I heard different conversations, “Just got back from Iraq. I’m glad I could be here for this.”--- “Honey, I’m so proud of you.”--- “No, I don’t think we’ll go right away.” --- “Hey Dad, come here, I want you to meet...”
It was crowded, but soon the men in green had to go, to line up for their seats in the auditorium. Then it was time for the doors to open and in their excitement and anxiety to get a seat, the doorways were soon packed with people who pushed and jockeyed for a closer spot. It seemed as though the crowd moved as one. Each person also reached for a graduation booklet as they squirmed into the auditorium. “Hey Dad, I’m in the fifth row, on the left.” They were gone.
Of course, we got on the wrong side, but managed to squeeze over to Larry’s side, to be able to take better pictures. Bob looked through his camcorder, my husband standing to take better pictures of his son. We sat in the aisle right across from Larry, who was on the end seat, so we could get pictures very well. The young men in their finest sat very still, their relatives and friends going up and down the aisles calling to them, snapping their pictures.
Soon the lights dimmed, stage lights brightened the platform and three chairs were placed on the stage. There was an announcer, stage right, at the podium. Each of the three dignitaries were announced and they, in turn, replaced the announcer, to give their speech about the importance of The Special Forces.
Then the certificates were handed out. As though watching a synchronized dance, one entire row of men stood, turned, marched backstage. From there they went one by one, onstage, to receive their certificates. Then, another row stood up, turned, marched backstage to repeat this over and over. There were approximately two hundred fifty men graduating. And out of every one hundred men that start out to be a Green Beret, only three make it.
Along with their certificate, they received a knife, to be carried at all times. It’s named after the man that thought that “by the nature of the work that Special Forces soldiers do, every soldier should have a very rugged, very useful knife issued to them, to be given to them at graduation.” This man’s name is retired Lieutenant General William Yarborough. The knife is now called, “The Yarborough.”
There was a Chaplain, to say a special prayer for the Special Forces, then the song of The Green Berets, sung by all. And of course, the whole program started with The Pledge of Allegiance.
Camcorders, all kinds of cameras were used throughout the ceremony. It was really something, to see all those young men, who knows what will happen to them, get up row by row, and march to the stage.
The end was like the beginning...lines and scattered men with their friends and families, happy and proud of the men in green with their medals sparkling, creases exact, pant legs tucked into their boots, wearing big smiles.
Like all the others, Larry was happy, running to show his father his certificate and knife. He introduced us to his friends, and wandered around among them for awhile. Then he said, “I’m hungry. Let’s get something to eat.” And it was back to normal for us.
That’s what I saw of The Green Berets.
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Special Forces Prayer
Almighty God, who art the Author of Liberty and the Champion of the Oppressed, hear our prayer.
We, the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom.
Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved.
May we ever remember that our nation, whose motto is “In God We Trust,” expects that we shall acquit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men.
Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, strength from Thine arm, and protection by Thine hand.
It is for Thee that we do battle, and to Thee belongs the victor’s crown.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen
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Military Courses Completed
Ranger Course
Special Forces Qualification Course
Airborne School
18th Airborne Corps Reconnaissance and Commando School
Jungle Warfare School
Scout Reconnaissance and Surveillance Course
Primary Leadership Development Course
Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course
copyright Helen V Lundt 2004
U S Legacies Magazine December 2004
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