《365个英语小故事》:实用简洁的小故事,都是日常生活小故事,在学习英语的同时了解美国文化,循序渐进,轻松掌握。
Semper Fi means Always Faithful. Its the motto of the Marine Corps, which is a segment of the US Navy. The Marines do whatever the federal government tells them to do, and the government always talks about how important the Marines are and how grateful the government is. So when a former marine, James Reid, recently applied for a Purple Heart for a wound that he received while serving in the Korean War more than 50 years ago, he expected no problems. But a Navy official said that they had no more Purple Hearts. If Reid wanted one, he could buy it at a military supply store. Theyre only $42, said Arthur Chertoff. Its not exactly like buying a new car.
However, the 75-year-old Reid subsists on a military pension that barely covers his rent. His daughter and son send him money for food, transportation, and other expenses. Well, then, let your kids pay for it, Chertoff said when Reid told him that he depended on his kids for living expenses. So Reid asked his son for $42 for the medal. His son got so upset about the ungratefulness of the Navy that he called the local newspaper.
The local newspaper printed a front page article about how the Navy couldnt be bothered to pay for and present Reid his Purple Heart 50 years after his injury. Network television news picked up the story. The Navy, of course, was immediately embarrassed. Somehow, officials found the money and the time to buy Reid his Purple Heart and even make a ceremonial presentation.
We are always eager and happy to show that we take care of our own, said the broadly smiling Chertoff as he presented Reid the medal in front of TV news cameras. Thank you so much for your service to your country.
下一篇: Shark Attack
New high-speed rail links Tianjin, Qinhuangdao
Mixed grades for decision to push back English classes in Beijing
Candid exchange key to Biden's visit
Women, lean in
Toronto mayor admits he smoked crack
Laojiao facilities in limbo as detention system to end
Erupting volcano forces villagers to flee in Indonesia
Ancient Chinese built Forbidden City with stones dragged on ice
17 accused of making and selling fake drugs
Beijing to subsidize accident insurance for elderly people
Human Library gets people talking
European satellite plunges to Earth
Xi thanks Clinton for furthering ties
Far horizons beckon as agencies eye Chinese
Europe monitors phones, Internet
Charles ready for pension, still waiting for job
Lang Lang takes on UN Messenger of Peace role
New road links remote Tibet county to rest of the country
Tragedy leads to calls for school safety
India launches exploratory spacecraft to red planet
US Ambassador Locke to leave post next year
Terror at sea as Thai tourist ferry sinks
Hospital denies reports linking cancer case to pollution
He follows his heart with his feet
Hukou reform expected to be a gradual process
Diabetes has its day on stage
Lenovo's new secret weapon: Hollywood star
Democrats win NYC and Virginia
Report shows jump in Chinese students going to the US
Electric car buyers must try their luck in lottery