re: Have you ever done anything epic and haven't told anyone?

After Nam I hit the jackpot and was stationed at Marine Barracks Pearl Harbor for the remainder of my Marine Corps days. At 0800 sharp the Marine Band would play our National Anthem while the Colors were raised.

The cue to start the music and flag hoisting was done by ringing a ship's bell eight times, starting with 2 sharp rings, a slight pause then 2 more similar until 8 bells had been sounded.

I'm a decent amateur guitarist, simple rhythmic bell ringing was easy for me. The band started at the end of 8 bells sounded.

In the picture below the bell is slightly back and to the right from the nearest perspective, the flag pole a bit to the right half way down Marine Barracks.

It's such a simple thing yet stays in my memory as something I'm very proud to have done, and volunteered for when on duty any particular day.

I'll usually tear up a bit when the National Anthem is played at sporting events, in person or at home. Not embarrassed about that at all and my wife and kids are long used to it.

There are things others might consider "epic" that I've done in life, but this is one I'm quietly proud of that very few know.

Semper Fi America.