In the U.S. Army, there is always the reference to those who have served before, those who serve at the present time, as "The Lone Blue Line". This refers to the Traditional U.S. Army Uniform of "Army Blue", and to those who have worn the uniform. Many sacrificing, all for the protection of the U.S. Constitution. The present soldiers, are but a continuation of all who have served before, of "The Lone Blue Line".

I have recently read in the news, the the U.S. Army will be returning to the "Army Blue" Uniform, for their "Class A" dress uniform. This will replace the Olive Green "Class A" uniform, that was issued in the 1960's, which replaced the Brown Uniform worn since the World War I.

Military Units, alway rememeber the Heraldry, Wars, and Campaigns; that their units have served in. Their Regimental Flags have the "Battle Ribbions" attached to the standard to which their Regimental Flag is affix.

Within the Regiment are individual units, who have their own "Unit Crest" which date to the days of sheilds carried into battle. Each has a unique design and motto, that expresses their units Valor.

Then there are the Unit Patches worn on the shoulder of the uniform. Active Unit is worn on the left shoulder, while the unit the soldier served with in combat is on the worn on the right shoulder. The right arm (near the sleeve cuff) is the combat arm, where the stripes are affixed to show length of service in combat (each stripe denotes 6 months of combat). The hash stripes on the left sleeve cuff denote time served in the U.S. Amry (3 year/hash stripe). All of this along with the medals awarded, that are displayed on the left front of the uniform, allows anyone to be able to read that soldiers career, and honors at first glance.

General McArthur at his last visit to West Point said it best. "Duty, Honor, Country", always remember, "Duty, Honor, Country"! Once you have taken the oath, you are bound to that oath, forever. 12 years ago, after 27 years of service, I too joined that "Long Blue Line"!

Meorial Day, is designed for Honoring the those who Died in Combat, while Veteran's Day is for Honoring those who have Served!
I do object to Commericalization of these two National Holidays with Memorial Day Sales or Veteran's Day Sales, as well as Commercial Establishments that fly Old Glory from Light Poles!

Steven H. McGarthwaite
Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired
3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard)