"You have to go out; you don't have to come back"

Posted By: Webmaster

"You have to go out; you don't have to come back" - 03/03/00 03:53 AM

Someone recently visited the lighthouse on Assateague Island, VA. In some of the material on the signs, the "unofficial" motto was something like:

"You have to go out; you don't have to come back."

This highlights both the responsibility and the dangers faced by the keepers.

Can anyone confirm that actual wording on a sign at Assateague?

Posted By: Mike Thompson

Re: "You have to go out; you don't have to come back" - 03/03/00 05:36 AM

I can't remember if that saying is at Assateague, but I do know that's an old Coast Guard saying. I think it would be more likely to be found at a lifesaving station rather than a lighthouse, but then again, ya never know.

Mike

Posted By: SThompson

Re: "You have to go out; you don't have to come back" - 03/03/00 09:07 AM

Ask and you shall receive.

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-cp/history/faqs/LSSmotto.html

I heard that phrase for the first time when I was in boot camp.

Sean

[This message has been edited by SThompson (edited 03-04-2000).]

Posted By: Robert M Dick

Re: "You have to go out; you don't have to come back" - 03/03/00 12:41 PM

Thanks Sean,

My grandfather was an Etheridge and I grew up with those very words. Did not realize they originated on the banks.

Moby

Posted By: Bob M

Re: "You have to go out; you don't have to come back" - 03/03/00 02:11 PM

Hey Sean, ...great picture! You were only a young buck when you went in. My best buddy went through the training at Cape May in the mid-late 60's. His ID# was 354119. I use to write to him all the time and still remember his service number. As a matter of fact, he is still in the reserves and does his time at St. Pete in FL.

Bob