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In memoriamBrothers Forever - by Mike BickelWhen we were young and feeling our oatsWe joined the navy and went on those boatsThat sank on purpose sliding into the sea.Nobody knew where we were going to beExcept for a few who charted the wayTo a far off coastline or a secret bay.The rest of us did what we're trained to doand trusted each other - but prayed a lot too.In a sewer pipe coffin we just did our jobspulling sticks, cycling vents or adjusting some knobs.When all hell broke loose we knew what was bestbecause we had dolphins affixed to our chest.But although we knew every valve on the boatthat made it submerge or caused it to floatit wasn't dolphins or qualcards or years worth of studiesthat would save us... but rather our crewmates... our buddies.Many stood by us then, but they stand here no more.On Eternal Patrol they have left their last shore.Husbands and fathers and grandfathers toowho sailed with us, challenged us under the blue.Forever a mate, forever our friendwe're bonded as shipmates beyond our lives end.We pray for them now as we prayed with them then:May you rest in peace always, my brothers - AMEN.