Semper Fidelis:

After 57 years I still get goose bumps when I hear the Marine Corps Hymn.

As the slogan goes; The Few the Proud the Marines

Through the years many have taken the journey in anticipation of become a United States Marine to one of the two recruiting depots in the USA. A Hollywood Marine (San Diego) or a Sand Flee Marine (Parris Island).

Many have made it through and graduated but half as many saw the main gate earlier than they expected. The ones that graduated, went into boot camp as boys and came out as men.

Unlike other branches of the military; at least in the 1950’s  era and earlier, the DI’s  (drill instructors) literally tried to kill the recruits just to see what they were made out of. It was the Marine Corps way or the highway.

I hated every minute of boot camp but in retrospect, I would not have wanted it any other way. It got to the point somewhere in our 16 weeks of training that most of us finally realized just what were were there for. Learning what it took to defend our country if we were called upon.

That education could not be bought with all the tea in China. If a person was strong enough mentally and physically to make it through to graduation day; theoretically they were set for life by being able to handle any situation that came down the pike.

On November 10 1775 a bunch of hard-nosed patriotic men got together in a place call Tun Tavern in Philadelphia (where else would the Marine Corps get it’s root other than for a gin mill) and founded what was then called The Continental Marines.

The Marine Corps went on to be one of the best and most capable fighting machines in the USA’s military organizations or in the world for that matter.

The Marine Corps is a brother-hood unlike any other branch of the armed services. Marines’, white, black, yellow or brown recognize and respect each-other as brothers in arms while on active duty and for the duration. There is no such as an ex-Marine; we are always referred to as former Marine.

Happy Birthday to all the Marines on active duty and those that have served. Without them and the rest of the military organization in this country; none of us would not be-able to enjoy the freedoms that the majrity of us enjoy daily and some of the fools abuse.

Play it again Sam!!!!