FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2016 47 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2017 47 THE SILENT RANKS I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens But I am in the Army in the ranks rarely seen I have no rank upon my shoulders – salutes I do not give But the military world is the place where I live I’m not in the chain of command, orders I do not get But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget I’m not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line But my job is just as tough. I’m the one that’s left behind My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man And the call to serve his country not all can understand Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me I love the man I married, soldiering is his life But I stand among the silent ranks known as his Army Wife Author Unknown Port Perry Salvage Inc. & DEMOLITION 132 Reach Industrial Park Rd., Port Perry Yard 905-985-6121 1-877-587-4557 Michelle Stephens and John Stephens owners of Port Perry Salvage, remember all veterans and especially highly decorated * RODERICK J. PURCELL, her great uncle. Roderick enlisted at the young age of 16 in 1915 and served through many battles, including the Battle of the Somme until his discharge in 1919. Roderick always remembered his Company Commander’s instructions, “Never ask your men to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself” and he lived by those words throughout his years in the war. * Distinguished Conduct Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal, 1914-1915 Star Freedom is never free. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1917 193 Queen Street, Port Perry, ON 905-985-7306 1-800-387-5642