This came from a Marines wife. It says it all: I sat, as did millions of other Americans, and watched as the government Underwent a peaceful transition of power two years ago.. At first, I felt a swell of pride and patriotism while Barack Obama took his Oath of Office . However, all that pride quickly vanished as I later watched 21 Marines, In full dress uniform with rifles, Fire a 21-gun salute to the President. It was then that I realized how far America 's military had deteriorated. Every one of them missed the bastard.