John Henry Dittus the Third
God bless John Henry Dittus the Third
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My family got to know John over the last few years. He was a presence larger than life. In his later years when we met him, his strength, humor, and passion for life and family and the US Marine Corps was ever-present. A neighbor of close friends of ours, we always looked forward to visiting with John and Donna. And John became a trusted advisor to our military-bound, then former-military son. They had a bond that dad and son will never have and I'm hugely greatful for John's advice and influence. He will be missed by many .... not the least of which is this family. Rest, John. Your service in this life is complete. God Bless.
John Henry Dittus the Third
[Intro - Fingerpicked Acoustic Guitar]
[Verse 1]
He was born in Kingston on a cold December day
Nineteen forty-six and the Hudson rolled that way
St. Peter's schooled him right and Kingston made him strong
Graduated sixty-four and knew where he belonged
At seventeen years old he raised his right hand high
Signed on with the Marines said, "Y'all watch me fly!"
The Eagle Globe and Anchor he wore it without fear
Headed off to serve this land to serve it year by year
[Chorus]
John Henry Dittus the Third
A man who kept his word
He served the living and the dead
Went wherever duty led
From the mountains of Hurley New York
To the jungles far away
He gave his hands, his heart, his life
God bless John Henry Dittus the Third
[Verse 2]
Dominican Republic sixty-five he held the line
Then Vietnam came calling sixty-six, sixty-seven time
Came home in sixty-eight a Sergeant head held proud
Moved out to California still serving right out loud
Thirty-two years in Santa Ana badge pinned to his chest
Senior Sergeant, Master Sergeant son he gave his best
But the Hudson always called him so he came back home to rest
To West Hurley and his Donna and the hills he loved the best
[Chorus]
John Henry Dittus the Third
A man who kept his word
He served the living and the dead
Went wherever duty led
From the mountains of Hurley New York
To the jungles far away
He gave his hands, his heart, his life
God bless John Henry Dittus the Third
[Bridge - Slow and Tender]
He walked into a room and he'd leave you with a smile.
Big stories, bigger laughter he'd sit and talk a while.
The American Legion knew him, the VFW too,
The Lions, the Town Board there was nothing he wouldn't do.
He said I serve the living and I tend the graves of men.
A man like that only comes along once Lord
We'd give anything for once again
[Verse 3]
He kneeled at St. John's Parish Woodstock every Sunday morn
And gave to Tunnels to Towers for the warriors battle-worn
Donna Jean beside him forty years of holding fast
Ethan, Emma, little Aubrey a love built there to last
Bob and Carol Rose and Danny four strong at his side
A family forged in Kingston running deep and running wide
He made his friends for life Lord every single one
And on that May the eighteenth he finally rested his work was done
[Final Chorus - Big Anthem Full Band]
John Henry Dittus the Third
A man who kept his word
He served the living and the dead
Went wherever duty led
From the mountains of Hurley New York
To the jungles far away
He gave his hands his heart his life
God bless John Henry Dittus the Third
[Outro - Spoken over Solo Acoustic Guitar]
Semper Fi John Henry
Semper Fi
[End - Fade]
This is original work is produced by AK Darvinson with a combination of observation, critical thinking, insight, heart, compassion, passion, creativity, and technology. All rights are reserved. Free sharing is encouraged. Commercial use via license only.
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