Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps, who are on this day 244 years old. This branch of the Armed Forces of the United States has a long and distinguished history. They will always have a special place in my heart, because my father was a Marine in World War II.
The Marine Corps is a family, and I saw this clearly one day, when my father was dying of cancer. His body had become a tiny version of the man he had been. He had taken to wearing his Marine Corps cap, and two young men in their uniforms, clearly just out of boot camp, saw him. We had been out for a small meal in my home town of Easton, PA, and they approached him and began a conversation with him about his experiences. Then one young man asked me with complete courtesy if it was okay if they borrowed him for a few hours, simply to talk with an older Marine. My father was delighted, and I knew he was in good hands. I came back later that afternoon to pick him up, and he was still there talking with the two youngsters.
When he stood to go, they saluted him. My heart was full, and I saw the great joy these two young men had given to a mortally ill, elderly man they had never known before. When he was leaving, they exchanged, “Semper Fi.”
Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps.
They will forever hold a special place and respect in my heart. My Dad was a Marine, and I spent the first 5 years of my life living on a base. Some stuff stuck.😁
Hoorah! Happy Birthday Marines!!
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Thank you so much.
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Reblogged this on Jerry Brotherton and commented:
Jump on over to Charles French Words Reading blog. His site is filled with some cool and interesting stuff. While your there, drop a Happy birthday in support to all our military brothers and sisters.
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Jerry, thank you so much!
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What a compelling story. Thank you.
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You are very welcome.
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A wonderful post for their celebration and tradition!
(If I remember correctly, you wish to NOT receive any gifs., correct?)
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GIFs are fine. If I ever said otherwise, it would have been before I knew what they were!
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In that case – Have an honorable Veterans/Remembrance Day!!
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Thank you!
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Semper Fidelis
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Thank you!
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Sempper Fi
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A truly moving tale. Good to be reminded of such bravery, especially on Armistice Sunday. Thanks, Jerry.
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You are very welcome.
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Proud of our grandson. Been in 18 years so far.
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Wow! That is excellent.
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😊
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My heart is full, too. These are the stories that make me proud. I will never forget being at a concert many years ago, and one of the songs played was the Marines Hymn. As soon as “From the Halls of Montezuma” played loud and clear, two or three men in the audience snapped up to attention. They stood tall and proud. A thundering herd of horses wouldn’t have made them budge. I’ve never seen anything like that before. Once a Marine, always a Marine. I wish I had met your Dad. Thank you for this wonderful post, Charles.
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Jennie, you are very welcome, and you are completely correct–the Marines are family.
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🙂
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I loved reading this even though I’m an Army brat. Dad was a 20-year veteran and I do not remember his ever being treated so kindly. This does the heart good to hear young men treating and older one with respect.
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Yes, it does, and thank you!
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There is indeed no family like the military family!
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You are completely correct!
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What a heart-warming story! It left me with a lump in my throat.
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Thank you!
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Wow. Ditto what Liz said.
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