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The Precious Sounds of Freedom

There are so many annoying sounds that surround us, That we are often tempted to notify the police! (Sounds causing consternation and such an awful ruckus), To obtain much needed quiet and restful peace! Some of the sounds could be disallowed, If we were more considerate of each other; For example barking mutts and music so loud, Roaring automobiles and other such bother! But the sounds that never bother me, And I hear them each and every day, Are the sounds of freedom that keep us free; Sounds made for the protection of the good ol' US of A! The scream of aircraft launching from a base; On the firing range the roar of booming gun; Means our forces are keeping training pace, Ensuring peace is preserved for everyone! Sounds of freedom bring comfort to my soul, Knowing the military keeps us free from strife, And that they have everything under control, Defending our precious American way of life! (I live about 5 miles from Fort Carson, Colorado, and hear the rattle of musketry, the boom of cannon and the sounds of helicopters every day! During the day I'm soothed with the dulcet sounds of Reveille, and other bugle calls throughout the day. At 1000PM each evening I hear the mournful sound of Taps. Peterson AFB is nearby and I hear the scream of jets reaching for the blue. Some local people are irritated by these sounds, but to me they will always be THE PRECIOUS SOUNDS OF FREEDOM!) Robert L. Hinshaw, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired

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Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 2/26/2021 11:28:00 AM

Hi Robert, Long time since we visited each other, it must be comforting to hear the sounds of safety jets, bugle calls, helicopters - it does represent freedom. My father served in WW11, served in the British, Army, then The Rhodesian Army and finally retired as an officer and a major from the Zambian army which brought his military career to an end. My Dad was my hero! We then moved to South Africa when he joined the private sector, but always missed the military!

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 2/28/2021 9:19:00 AM

Thank you Jennifer - great to hear from you! You have every right to be very proud of your Father indeed! Thank you for the brief outline of his illustrious career. Best to you - Bob H

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 2/19/2021 12:42:00 AM

Woah interesting!! The military aircraft sounds don't bother because you think they are protecting yah. Hmm. The sounds of barking dogs and automobiles yet can be a ruckus eh. Well its a great poem written very eloquently. Kudos! ..... ... - - - - - /==#plz do read and comment my newest poem too

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 2/19/2021 10:32:00 AM

Thank you S.zaynab, for your kind comment and I will read your newest poem. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey - Bob

Alexis Y.

Date: 2/17/2021 2:48:00 PM

Hi Robert, First must say, I thank you for your service. You have penned such a wonderful tribute to the men and women who fought in the line of duty for our freedom. Well done:-) Alexis

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 2/18/2021 9:07:00 AM

Thanks, Alexis. I appreciate your support and encouragement - Bob H

Judy Ball

Date: 2/16/2021 2:43:00 PM

Freedom is the one thing I don't think I could live without. Well said, God Bless, JB

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 2/16/2021 1:43:00 PM

What a wonderful tribute to all of our veterans, Bob. We literally owe our lives to them. The "sounds" of our military during peacetime do provide comfort. Thank you so much for your service to our country! (You, my Uncle Ted and brother Artie are my favorite vets.) Hugs, Carolyn

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 2/22/2021 2:48:00 PM

I do make sure Artie and Uncle Ted know how much their service is appreciated. Both served in the Navy-- Artie during Vietnam and Ted during the Korean War.

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 2/16/2021 1:54:00 PM

Thank you so much, Carolyn for your support. It was my distinct honor and privilege to have served and that is exactly what I tell people every time they approach me and thank me for service. Thank your uncle and brother for their service every time you see them! Bob H

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 2/15/2021 4:51:00 PM

Hello Bob … well said Bob. People forget about what sacrifices are made to protect them, but you’ll never make everyone happy no matter you do - thanks again Bob - Lindsay

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 2/16/2021 1:52:00 PM

Thank you, Lindsay. People would gripe if our troopers didn't drill and practice for our protection. Bob

Gershon Wolf

Date: 2/10/2021 5:53:00 PM

There you go, Bob! I used to live 2 kilometers from an underground air base in Israel. Heard ear-splitting sounds every five minutes -- and felt the same way you do. (Israel was nine miles across 'at its geographical waist' at that time). Loved the protection. Peace Through Strength, Gershon

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 2/11/2021 7:35:00 AM

Thank you for your support on this one, Gershon. Many around here bitch about the sounds but don't seem to appreciate the protection and the local economic advantages they provide. When I served in the Strategic Air Command Hq in Omaha Neb our motto was PEACE IS OUR PROFESSION! Press on, my friend - Bob H