To All My Brothes and Sisters

[JAMarine]

Happy 228th Birthday!

As I set here this evening in front of this computer I feel extremely humbled. As I look out the window watching the National Flag and 'our' Corps Colors ever so slightly waving in the night breeze I feel mighty small. And as I think and wonder about all of my past and compare that to our Brothers and Sisters serving at this very moment in the States or on the Ocean or in other parts of the World including Iraq, Afganistan and Korea (to mention a few) I feel even smaller.
I wonder if those Marines know just how much we here wish them well and God speed home.
I wonder if they know just how much some of us would give in order to reach out and lay our hand on their shoulders and say "Thank You Brother" and "Thank You Sister".
I wonder if they only knew how some of us would gladly and at a moments notice switch places with them for no matter how long a time so they might feel a loved ones body holding them or themselves hold their child in their arms.
I wonder.

Almighty Father;
As I set here this evening. . . . safe and sound and knowing my loved ones are safe, please be with my Brothers and Sisters where ever they may be. Father, please lay your steady and calm hands on them and give them peace of mind. Dear Lord, bring them home safe to their families and loved ones when their work is complete. God if it be your will to bring your children home to you, please have mercey and grace on their families. Comfort them and give them faith that all will be well.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen

I wonder if they know just how much we love them.
I wonder.

Happy Birthday Marines.

[lurchenstein]

Well said JAMARINE!

Here's to remembering all of our Marines that served and still serve.

[Doc Crow]

Outstanding Post

[lurchenstein]

A tribute:

[thedrifter]

Great Post Rich....

Happy Birthday Marines!!!!!!



ODE TO A MARINE


In a crowd you're bound to spot him,
He's standing so very tall
Not too much impresses him;
He's seen and done it all.

His hair is short, his eyes are sharp,
But his smile's a little blue.
It's the only indication
Of the hell that he's gone through.

He belongs to a sacred brotherhood,
Always Faithful 'til the end.
He has walked right into battle
And walked back out again.

Many people think him foolish
For having no regrets
About having lived through many times
Others would forget.

He's the first to go and last to know,
But never questions why,
On whether it is right or wrong,
But only do or die.

He walks a path most won't take
And has lost much along the way,
But he thinks a lot of freedom,
It's a small price to pay.

Yes, he has chosen to live a life
Off the beaten track,
Knowing well each time he's called,
He might not make it back.

So, next time you see a Devil Dog
Standing proud and true,
Be grateful for all he's given;
He's given it for you.

Don't go up and ask him
What's it's like to be in war;
Just thank God that it's your country
He's always fighting for.

And thank him too for all the hell
He's seen in that shade of green,
Thank him for having the guts
To be a United States Marine.

Sempers,

Roger
:marine:


http://drs.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=usmc+birthday/v=2/l=IVS/*-http://www.arcamax.com/pocontent/pothumbs/ArmedForces/usmcsbday001.gif

[firstsgtmike]

Later, Jerry Lewis and his telethons made it famous; "You'll Never Walk Alone".

That song holds a special meaning for me since November 10, 1958.

Six weeks into boot camp, a Marine Corps Birthday celebration, my first.

For some reason, I thought of the song that day as General Lejeune's message was being read.

I was a better recruit after that.

I realized something. I was the personification, the embodiment of all those Marines who served before me.

From that day forward, I could hear them, feel them urging me on, encouraging me, and yes, nagging and riding me when I deserved it.

No, I didn't have a special "guardian angel". But there was always a "specialist" there in my time of need.

There was always one theme that was constant. "We are counting on you, and we are here to make sure you don't let us down." "Listen and learn."

JAMarine said it, in his post. For most of us, the torch has been passed. We have become the cheering section on the sidelines.

But we, and those who passed the torch before us ARE there.

For those of you carrying the torch, and the future torch bearers;

In your time of pain, in your time of strife, when things appear dark and gloomy, HEAR MY VOICE.

"Straighten up MARINE! Get in step!

A promise made is a promise kept. You will NEVER walk alone."

Semper Fi