To Stand Alone

I believe my first experience in having the courage of my convictions took place when I served in the United States Navy near the end of World War II.

Navy boot camp was not an easy experience for me, nor for anyone who endured it.
For the first three weeks I was convinced my life was in jeopardy.
The navy wasn't trying to train me; it was trying to kill me.

I shall ever remember when Sunday rolled around after the first week.
We received welcome news from the chief petty officer.
Standing at attention on the drill ground in a brisk California breeze, we heard his command: "Today everybody goes to church--everybody, that is, except for me.
I am going to relax!"
Then he shouted, "All of you Catholics, you meet in Camp Decatur--and don't come back until three o'clock.
Forward, march!"
A rather sizeable contingent marched out.
Then he barked out his next command: "Those of you who are Jewish, you meet in Camp Henry--and don't come back until three o'clock.
Forward march!"
A somewhat smaller contingent marched out.
Then he said, "The rest of you Protestants, you meet in the theaters at Camp Farragut--and don't come back until three o'clock.
Forward, march!"

Instantly there flashed through my mind the thought, "Monson, you are not a Catholic; you are not a Jew; you are not a Protestant.
You are a Mormon, so you just stand here!"
I can assure you that I felt completely alone.
Courageous and determined, yes--but alone.

And then I heard the sweetest words I ever heard that chief petty officer utter.
He looked in my direction and asked, "And just what do you guys call yourselves?"
Until that very moment I had not realized that anyone was standing beside me or behind me on the drill ground.
Almost in unison, each of us replied, "Mormons!"
It is difficult to describe the joy that filled my heart as I turned around and saw a handful of other sailors.

The chief petty officer scratched his head in an expression of puzzlement but finally said, "Well, you guys go find somewhere to meet.
And don't come back until three o'clock.
Forward, march!"

As we marched away, I thought of the words of a rhyme I had learned in Primary years before:
Dare to be a Mormon;
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm;
Dare to make it known.

Although the experience turned out differently from what I had expected, I had been willing to stand alone, had such been necessary.

Since that day, there have been times when there was no one standing behind me and so I did stand alone.

How grateful I am that I made the decision long ago to remain strong and true, always prepared and ready to defend my religion, should the need arise.

-Thomas S. Monson -Dare to Stand Alone -October 2011 General Conference

Until you next see these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi