[Steppes] A TOAST

[Wilkerson, Glen D]

This weekend many toasts will be made to the grace of Her Majesty, and
to the skill and honor of her new Champion.  I would have joined in them
if mundane constraints did not keep me at home this weekend.  I also
would have desired to make the following toast in honor of the other
event we remember this weekend, but since I cannot, I share it with you
all here...

TO THOSE WHO RUN IN TO BURNING BUILDINGS;

TO THOSE WHO PATROL THE NIGHT, WHOSE CREDO IS "TO PROTECT AND SERVE;"

TO THOSE WHO SEARCH FOR THE LOST, GIVE AID TO THE WOUNDED, AND COMFORT
TO THE DYING;

TO THOSE WHO STOOD FORWARD AND FOUGHT, AND FELL IN A PENNSYLVANIA FARM
FIELD, WHO WORE NO UNIFORM,
BUT WHOSE COURAGE WAS NO LESS THAN THOSE WHO DO;

AND TO THOSE IN UNIFORM WHO CARRY THE FIGHT BACK TO THE HEART OF THE
ENEMY;

TO THE HEROES.

And to all of you who will make it to Queen's Champion - travel safely
and fight well.

Don Alaric