In more recent times, the “watch” has become a systematic approach to local vigilance by
residents of a particular neighborhood to discourage crime and to promote safety. This watch is referred to as the “Neighborhood
Watch.” Even most large companies, corporations
and manufactures have security details that list positions as being the night
watch. During the colonial days of our nation,
there were those who were employed as the town or city watchmen.
In the Navy, the “watch”
is a vital part of everyday standard operation and procedure. On shore or at sea, the watch is critical at
every level and includes all ranks. Even
when there is a retirement from the Navy, there is a poem that pays tribute to
those who have served and “stood the
watch.” The poem goes on to say, “while some of us were in our beds at night,
this sailor stood the watch; while some
of us were at school or work, this sailor stood the watch; even before some of us were born into this
world, this sailor stood the watch; when
the storm clouds of war were brewing, this sailor stood the watch…. However,
the most stunning part of that poem comes toward the end … “this sailor stood the watch for a number of
years, so that all Americans could sleep safety, each and every night, secure because
this sailor stood the watch…
Truly remarkable … what a wonderful thing to say to
those men and women who have served their country well and now find themselves
at the end of their military career. And
to finally say to them, … “we are here to
pay our respects as it is said for the final time… you stand relieved… relieved by those you have trained, guided,
and led. Sailor you stand relieved
of duty, we have the watch.”
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