Matt- thank you for sharing. It was the first time I read this piece. I will read it again. The essay is humbling reminder of, and a sublime ode to, the profound sacrifices made by a small number of Americans time and again to protect and defend the noble ideas that make America GREAT. I hope many more Americans get a chance to read it in the years ahead.
Jun 14, 2022·edited Jun 14, 2022Liked by Matt Labash
This was pretty awesome, Matt. Very evocative and respectful.
Immense respect, and at times sheer awe, is what I have for those who've served, to be more exact. The phrase "Thank you for your service" to me at some point became too much of a mindless cliche, frankly.
I take it from comments you didn't get to host Josh around your MD haunts, which is too bad.
Other writings that yours put me in mind of are Sebastian Junger's narratives on warriors, and Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods," in particular. And I think you do a great job of honoring your subjects. If only we focused more collectively on such stories that inspire admiration rather than following the professional political grievance mongers... *sigh*
We’re told that “hard facts make bad law.” They also make difficult writing; but you have mastered the art of of giving your readers some purchase on that unyielding hardness so that we can vicariously sense what you’ve sensed. Thank you, Matt.
Matt, I realize that Norman Maclean has already penned a Montana novella about fishing as a metaphor for (fill in the blank), but it appears you might have one in ya from another angle.
Wonderful stuff here. Thank you so much for writing about these amazing men. I am so humbled by them and grateful to them. The best thing I’ve been privileged to read in ages. I’m forever changed in the best way possible. God bless them all.
It is hard to imagine these young men as anything but Marines. And they may never do anything that gives them that same sense of purpose. That's why as Zach said 'I don't want to forget,' even if its the most shattering memory of your young life. Healing may require them to let go and that may seem like a betrayal on some level.
This ain't easy but they never promised you a rose garden.
I remember when this was first published. It's still powerful especially with what's happened in the years since you tagged along with the group. Would there be a way for you to write a piece with updates about the program and/or the people who fished? Thank you to those who have served and to people who help them when they return.
I love your writing, Matt. Such a moving story. Thank you
Finally got around to reading this. Lovely work.
Matt, this is one of the most beautiful pieces of journalism I've ever read. You made me laugh and cry and be proud and thankful. Thank you!
Matt- thank you for sharing. It was the first time I read this piece. I will read it again. The essay is humbling reminder of, and a sublime ode to, the profound sacrifices made by a small number of Americans time and again to protect and defend the noble ideas that make America GREAT. I hope many more Americans get a chance to read it in the years ahead.
Hope you enjoyed your quiet time with Mother Nature ………
Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸
I think I am inspired 🗡🎣🇺🇸
I'm a civilian and fishing-averse as they come, but that was a fascinating read. Keep doing what you do, Matt. It inspires.
This was pretty awesome, Matt. Very evocative and respectful.
Immense respect, and at times sheer awe, is what I have for those who've served, to be more exact. The phrase "Thank you for your service" to me at some point became too much of a mindless cliche, frankly.
I take it from comments you didn't get to host Josh around your MD haunts, which is too bad.
Other writings that yours put me in mind of are Sebastian Junger's narratives on warriors, and Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods," in particular. And I think you do a great job of honoring your subjects. If only we focused more collectively on such stories that inspire admiration rather than following the professional political grievance mongers... *sigh*
they let you in
entrusted you
with their souls
they knew
as we do
that they were in
the best of hands
your writing
then and now
honors all
they gave
You may be away
but you are here in spirit
Don't worry
A vacation in body
works just fine too
We’re told that “hard facts make bad law.” They also make difficult writing; but you have mastered the art of of giving your readers some purchase on that unyielding hardness so that we can vicariously sense what you’ve sensed. Thank you, Matt.
++
Matt, I realize that Norman Maclean has already penned a Montana novella about fishing as a metaphor for (fill in the blank), but it appears you might have one in ya from another angle.
Wonderful stuff here. Thank you so much for writing about these amazing men. I am so humbled by them and grateful to them. The best thing I’ve been privileged to read in ages. I’m forever changed in the best way possible. God bless them all.
I'm not crying. You're crying.
It is hard to imagine these young men as anything but Marines. And they may never do anything that gives them that same sense of purpose. That's why as Zach said 'I don't want to forget,' even if its the most shattering memory of your young life. Healing may require them to let go and that may seem like a betrayal on some level.
This ain't easy but they never promised you a rose garden.
I remember when this was first published. It's still powerful especially with what's happened in the years since you tagged along with the group. Would there be a way for you to write a piece with updates about the program and/or the people who fished? Thank you to those who have served and to people who help them when they return.