I have been thinking about something lately.  Have we, in today's world, lost what it was that once made America great?  I have seen Band of Brothers several times.  I know that it is a movie, but one that is a fair representation of that generation (and a true story).  They rolled up their sleeves, dug in, and FOUGHT.  I think today, there are few who would sacrifice their time, and mochachinos, to "strap it on" and fight for something.  And don't think I mean fighting for the great blubellied fire ant, or the Upper Antarctic field daisy.  I mean FIGHT! Fight for your life, fight for your family and your God, or most of all fight for your profession and its Brotherhood.

    I look around at today's professionals and wonder what makes them  "professional".  Do they really know what they're doing, or are they just blundering through life, bumping around in the dark?  Anyone can be a banker or a lawyer.  How many jobs are there left that could be a "calling"?

    Well, I think that we few, we lucky few, are involved in one.  Firefighting.  One of the last few "callings" in life.   One of the last, noble, blue collar professions left. Sure, we have college degrees now, but a hard working roughneck can still buckle down and get far in this profession with a little sweat.  Some mornings when I get to work, I think of a line from the movie "Bull Durham".  The old ballplayer walks in to the locker room and says to his young team mates,” Guess what fellas, we get to play baseball today".  That's what we should say or think to ourselves every glorious day we step into the hall. Fellas, we get to fight fire today.  What a life.  If that doesn't make the guys quit bitching for at least a few minutes, then you need to have a serious talk with them.

    Who among us can say that, for the most part, Firefighters aren't some of the most dedicated folks you ever saw. Most of us work for free.  We work long hours.  Miss birthdays, ballgames, and recitals. We bleed, sweat and break our bones for little pay and a few thanks.  I'd like to think that we are like those veterans you see on Veteran's Day and in movies.  I know that our generation is softer, but I would like to think that we are our generation's "Band of Brothers". 

    So...whatever you do, get up tomorrow, hold your shoulders straight, your head high, and fight for something.

Ben Marler, Captain

Franklin Fire Dept.

Mid-Tenn FOOLS