You can see we have added a few temporary items to our outside decor. Today is the Marine Corps Birthday, as most Marines and their families know, and nobody else probably does. I don't know how old the Marine Corps is, but I know it's well over 200 years. Terry served proudly in the Marines from 1964-1968 during the Vietnam War. While he didn't spend time in Vietnam, he was still a vital part of the war effort, although fortunately he came home safely and wasn't reviled as many servicemen were. Terry's descriptions of what he went through in boot camp make me shudder, but he is very proud of having survived that and feels it made him a better man. Some of the things he describes would in no way be acceptable today, and I wouldn't have considered them acceptable then, but he took them in stride. He said that the tactics were necessary to turn the men into team players who responded to orders unfailingly and enthusiastically, as would be necessary in battle. To this day, he will attest to the value of his service in the Marine Corps, and he remains loyal to it. We have a corner in the den devoted to memorabilia, and for years he has almost considered the Marine Corps birthday more important to remember than his own. I used to think this was silly, but since it has remained important to him, even after 40 years, I have tried each year to remember the day and bake a cake and sometimes even give him a small commemorative present. The kids call and wish him a happy birthday, too. I must admit I don't know what the Marine Corps did to inspire such fierce loyalty in its former members, but it certainly was effective. I guess that's one of the reasons the Marines are the go-to guys in times of crisis. They get the job done.
Of course, the Marine Corps birthday is the day before Veterans' Day, when we honor all military veterans. How appropriate that both holidays should be so close together. Happy Veterans' Day to one and all, and Happy Marine Corps Birthday to all those present and former Marines. And many thanks for all your service and protection. Because of you, life is good...
4 comments:
Hey there!
I was doing a search on Google, and I wanted you to know that there are people who are outside the Marine Circle who knows it's the Marine Corps birthday...
God bless those awesome soldiers who serve our Country. I had to do a school report on war poems, and that made me intrigue last week about the Marines..and how some people really do live up to that motto of "God, Country, Corps".
I wanted to share with you these poems and perhaps it would touch you also!
http://www.teamtruth.com/poetry/po_iraq.htm
Oh, that's a nice comment someone left you :-)
I called...and I reminded the boys, too...
I had a brother in law that was in the Marine Corp and he was the same way as your husband. Happy Birthday to them all! Nice comment from Jaime. I appreciate all our veterans.
Hi Nancy,
I'm so behind on visiting my blogging buddies. Veteran's Day holds a special meaning for me, as Grandpa was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. This was my first one without him..
xo
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