Semper Paratus

Today I was called at 11:54 to sub for a class that began at 12:08. As I hurriedly changed out of T-shirt and sweats into more professional attire, I remembered the Coast Guard’s motto Semper Paratus, Latin for “Always Ready”. Maybe I should adopt that motto as my own?

As I consider this notion, I find it a great stretch. Yes, I do get called to work on a moment’s notice, and sometimes I do feel that I have entered a combat zone.

But days in the classroom hardly compare to pulling drowning people out of a sinking boat in a hurricane. My rather sedate life hardly compares with those who interdict drug traffic on the high seas.

As citizens, we are protected from horrors that we don’t see by brave men and women in both the military and law enforcement who go out into grave danger on our behalf.

Thank you.