Semper Fi, Mac!

I was feeling a little less than patriotic yesterday, when I stumbled across a web site for Marine snipers to leave comments and quotes. On the web site I found a sort of prayer that always used to cheer me up, so I thought I would share it with you, who may not have ever experienced the thrill of hunting another human who is hunting you.

Rifleman's Creed

This is my rifle; there are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend; I must master it, as I must master my life.

My rifle without me is useless; without my rifle, I am useless.

I must fire my rifle true; I must shoot straighter than my enemy, who is trying to kill me.

I must shoot him before he shoots me; I will!

My rifle and I know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire,

the noise of our burst nor the smoke we make.

We know that it is the hits that count; we will hit!

My rifle is human, even as I; because it is my life, thus I will learn it as a brother.

I will learn its strengths, its weaknesses, its parts, accessories, sights and its barrel.

I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage.

I will keep my rifle clean and ready; even as I am clean and ready.

We must become part of each other; we will!

Before God I swear this creed; my rifle and myself are the defenders of my country,

we are the masters of my enemy, we are the saviors of my life.

So be it; until there is no enemy, but peace,

Amen!