The thick acrid smell of cigarettes butted out in stale beer mixed with a blanket of smoke may be an acquired taste, but it was one that Sal was beginning to love. The atmosphere in the local speakeasy was usually pleasant, only occasionally would an argument raise the voices slightly in the room, covering the din of ice clinking in glasses, or people applauding after a good story. This was one place where anyone in this thing of ours could come and speak, as long as they remained respectful, and everyone would listen to what they had to say, whether thug or Godfather.

"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Can I have a moment of your time please. I promise I will try not to be too long winded. I know you're all enjoying each other's company and sharing stories and jokes. I know I am not very well known yet, but I never will be unless I give voice and let people know I exist."

The noise level died some, and several gangsters turned to pay attention to what this lowly Goomba had to say. Sal cleared his throat before continuing...

"I have been reading a ton of journals from my families histories, going quite a ways back, and one thing stood out, or rather, didn't stand out. I saw so much about wars that erupted, some that lasted days, and some that were simple one or two wave takedowns. I read about the men and women that took amazing shots after hours and hours, even days, to bring a massive war to an end. I read of strategies used, alliances made and broken. I read about backstabbings, betrayals, and the list goes on and on."

Sal took a moment to pull a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it and taking a long draw.

"Here's the thing that I did not read anything about. Those men and women that stood behind the scenes, laying down blankets of covering fire for our big hitters, sending information to those in command to they could form strategic maneuvers for their side. These men and women are the backbone of our armies, some working tirelessly for little praise or recognition. Without them, wars could easily swing the other way. I really just wanted to take a moment to respect their hard work, their dedication to whatever cause they fight for, whatever side they are on. They have my utmost respect."

Sal paused one more time for a quick puff then faced the attentive crowd for a last comment.

"I appreciate you all listening to me, and I am eager to hear what anyone has to add. I do hope this gave everyone something to think about."

"These men and women usually do what they do for the good of the family, yes yes people usually praise and shout about 'that one awesome gun' yet fail to even think about the countless protectors, distractors, intel, etc. Nor do these men and women ask for recognition, they do what they do knowing the family will know, and that's usually enough"

Donnie gave a little shrug, he nor his family line had every really been in any of these talked about events, his family line was usually first one in the ditch.

"The respect is there, often silent, but there"

He nods along with his own words.

Good evenin', Sal. Good ta' see we have fresh young thinkers on our streets. I appreciate anyone who takes tha' time ta' share their thoughts, especially somethin' as respectable as this. 

It's a true measure of a workers character when they willin'ly step up to the plate in those situations. True, there are many dangerous aspects of this life, but those that are remembered are rarely tha' worker ants. Durin' the heat of battle, the funeral visitations are often delayed, or even missed altogether in the event their friends all fell to a bullet.

I do find that individuals whose bloodlines are not commonly associated with such an outstandin' performance, if they are fresh faced to our shores or known ta' be in little lackin' in abilities, tend ta' receive recognition. Those familiar with tha' proceedin's of war are less likely ta receive a pat on the back for their efforts. There is most likely an unspoken respect, if upfront recognition is not offered. 

Honestly, I'm just speculatin' on how people manage this, I know how I would approach a members funeral, takin' into consideration their contribution ta' the operation and their performance durin' conflict. It's all down ta' the attention and care a person has for their members.