Because of a minor infraction, a shipmate of mine aboard the
USS Reeves, bound for Japan, was busted one rank, fined and
given extra duty for three weeks. Looking forward to
celebrating his 21st birthday on July 22, he consoled
himself every night during his extra duty by reciting, "They
can bust me, they can fine me -- but they can't take away my
birthday." As July 22 approached, his excitement increased.
When he went to bed on July 21, he happily repeated,
"They can bust me, they can fine me -- but they can't take
away my birthday."
The next morning, he found out that the ship had crossed the
international date line -- and it was July 23. |
