thedrifter
10-24-06, 08:24 AM
Marines are a special breed
Chuck Cannon, chuck@rustonleader.com
10-21-2006
As I've mentioned before in this space, I am a U.S. Army veteran, my wife Susan is a U.S. Army veteran, my youngest son Justin is a U.S. Army veteran and my oldest son Mickey is a U.S. Navy veteran.
All four of us take great pride in our respective branches of the military. It's not that we dislike other branches, it's just that when you've been a part of an organization and given a large portion of your life to it, you grow sort of fond of it. It becomes a part of your family.
That being said, I'm forced to admit something that I never dreamed I'd say - the Marine Corps is the best.
I know that I've probably just alienated every soldier, sailor and airman who happens to read this discourse. But I beg your indulgence; let me explain.
On Wednesday, Lincoln Parish watched as one of its own - Marine Lance Cpl. Jon Eric Bowman - was laid to rest. Bowman, just 21 years of age, was killed by a roadside bomb as he patrolled in Iraq. The 2004 graduate of Summerfield High School left a wife, mom and dad, step-mother and step-father, two sisters, a brother, and a host of other family members and friends to mourn his passing.
Susan and I attended Bowman's funeral at Cook Baptist Church in Ruston to pay our respects to a true hero. While at the funeral, I gained a deeper respect for the Marine Corps.
As a career soldier, I have had the occasion to observe a military funeral before Bowman's on Wednesday. It is a calloused-hearted person who is not moved by solemn respect a service pays to one of its own who has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and brothers in arms.
But never before have I observed such professionalism as was displayed at Lance Cpl. Bowman's service. From the 1st Sgt. who led those attending the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance, to the young men who served as pall bearers, these Marines were the very symbol of what is good and right about the men and women who serve our nation.
During the service they sat ramrod straight, eyes forward. There was no joking or slouching; whether out of respect for their job or for their fellow Marine, these men showed why Marines traditionally lead the way.
Particularly touching to me was when a Marine Corps Captain presented Lance Cpl. Bowman's wife, father and mother with a copy of the Purple Heart Medal, awarded posthumously to their hero, husband and son. The Captain went down on his knees at each of the three members to present them with the medal, whispering words that only they and he heard.
At the end of the service, when the Marine Corps Hymn began to play, the pall bearers rose as one, standing at rigid attention. It was the only time I saw them move during the ceremony.
After the service, all eyes watched in awe as the perfectly synchronized movements of the escorts rendered their salutes, then moved the body from the church to the hearse.
I was not able to attend the graveside services as my duty called. But I have no doubt that the Marines I saw at the church continued to maintain their professionalism, along with respect and dignity for Lance Cpl. Bowman.
I offer the group of Marines whose duty place them at Lance Cpl. Bowman's funeral Wednesday a word of thanks. You've opened my eyes a little more to the Marine Corps and you gave me hope for the future.
If you are an example of the men and women serving in the Corps, then our country is in capable hands.
Thank you.
Chuck Cannon, chuck@rustonleader.com
10-21-2006
As I've mentioned before in this space, I am a U.S. Army veteran, my wife Susan is a U.S. Army veteran, my youngest son Justin is a U.S. Army veteran and my oldest son Mickey is a U.S. Navy veteran.
All four of us take great pride in our respective branches of the military. It's not that we dislike other branches, it's just that when you've been a part of an organization and given a large portion of your life to it, you grow sort of fond of it. It becomes a part of your family.
That being said, I'm forced to admit something that I never dreamed I'd say - the Marine Corps is the best.
I know that I've probably just alienated every soldier, sailor and airman who happens to read this discourse. But I beg your indulgence; let me explain.
On Wednesday, Lincoln Parish watched as one of its own - Marine Lance Cpl. Jon Eric Bowman - was laid to rest. Bowman, just 21 years of age, was killed by a roadside bomb as he patrolled in Iraq. The 2004 graduate of Summerfield High School left a wife, mom and dad, step-mother and step-father, two sisters, a brother, and a host of other family members and friends to mourn his passing.
Susan and I attended Bowman's funeral at Cook Baptist Church in Ruston to pay our respects to a true hero. While at the funeral, I gained a deeper respect for the Marine Corps.
As a career soldier, I have had the occasion to observe a military funeral before Bowman's on Wednesday. It is a calloused-hearted person who is not moved by solemn respect a service pays to one of its own who has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and brothers in arms.
But never before have I observed such professionalism as was displayed at Lance Cpl. Bowman's service. From the 1st Sgt. who led those attending the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance, to the young men who served as pall bearers, these Marines were the very symbol of what is good and right about the men and women who serve our nation.
During the service they sat ramrod straight, eyes forward. There was no joking or slouching; whether out of respect for their job or for their fellow Marine, these men showed why Marines traditionally lead the way.
Particularly touching to me was when a Marine Corps Captain presented Lance Cpl. Bowman's wife, father and mother with a copy of the Purple Heart Medal, awarded posthumously to their hero, husband and son. The Captain went down on his knees at each of the three members to present them with the medal, whispering words that only they and he heard.
At the end of the service, when the Marine Corps Hymn began to play, the pall bearers rose as one, standing at rigid attention. It was the only time I saw them move during the ceremony.
After the service, all eyes watched in awe as the perfectly synchronized movements of the escorts rendered their salutes, then moved the body from the church to the hearse.
I was not able to attend the graveside services as my duty called. But I have no doubt that the Marines I saw at the church continued to maintain their professionalism, along with respect and dignity for Lance Cpl. Bowman.
I offer the group of Marines whose duty place them at Lance Cpl. Bowman's funeral Wednesday a word of thanks. You've opened my eyes a little more to the Marine Corps and you gave me hope for the future.
If you are an example of the men and women serving in the Corps, then our country is in capable hands.
Thank you.