song for theme #46B: Militarism

“Tough and Strong” by Stephen P. Cook

sung to the tune of “Caissons Go Rolling Along”  by Edmund L. Gruber / John Philip Sousa

On the land, on the sea,

In the air, let it be

Our military must be kept strong

On the earth, out in space¹

We’ll command any place

Our military must be kept strong

So its hi dee hi dee ho

Hey army say “Bravo!”²

Be proud that you belong

For where ever you go

You will always know

Our forces are tough and they’re strong

With marines, with Seals³

Special ops, made of steel

Our military must be kept strong

Stealth fighter⁴, all nighter

Moving fast, much lighter⁵

Our military must be kept strong

So anchors aweigh⁶

Our navy saves the day

Be proud that you belong

For where ever you go

You will always know

Our forces are tough and they’re strong

Bring ‘em shame, those to blame

Fight with flame, live in fame

Our military must be kept strong

Honor code, proud and bold

Tradition rich and old⁷

Our military must be kept strong

So heading for blue sky⁸

Our air force flying high

Be proud that you belong

For where ever you go

You will always know

Our forces are tough and they’re strong

SONG—NOTES / COMMENTS

1—Since the late 1950s launch of the first earth-orbiting satellites, a high % of them have had military uses: for intelligence,

     navigation, and communication. A 1967 treaty outlawed space-based weapons systems.

2—A term with various connotations: bravery, celebratory gusto, machismo, unambiguous code for letter B, etc.  The author

     connects it with Fort Bliss, a US army base near the Rio Grande—the Rio Bravo in Mexico.

3—The USA Navy’s Sea Air Land teams are typically employed in covert special warfare operations.

4—This refers to both the aircraft technology that allows planes to escape radar detection and to the individual combatants

     equipped for seeing in the dark, avoiding detection, etc. in special covert combat operations.

5—A recent USA military trend favors increasingly mobile forces using precision smart technology.

6—“Anchors Aweigh,” written in 1906, is the fight song of the USA Naval Academy.

7—Military tradition in general refers to long-time practices of family service, procedures/protocols including drills, dress,

     military courtesy, etc., and military lore including battle tales, songs, etc.  In the USA the tradition dates from the Revolutionary

     War (1775-1781) era, elsewhere it can be much longer.  

8—Refers to the first line of the USA Air Force Song, written in 1938, “Off we go into the wild blue yonder!”

Comment: While those seeking camaraderie may be drawn to military service, the need to rein in impulses and follow orders can present some with difficulties.This theme can have value as emotional armor.  Military service can be linked to the strength that weapons and working as part of a team brings. And to providing leadership skills. Both can aid those who served later in life as civilians facing stressful situations. Facing the emotional challenges combat presents—beginning with overcoming fear—is a theme behind great literature. Sadly some veterans (with PTSD) never mentally recover from their traumatic combat / war experiences.