A memory of my older brother

[Tiger716]

I just wanted to add a little memory of my older brother. I can remember that my parents drove us down to see him shortly after he graduated from boot camp. It was my first trip to the south. I remember a two-lane road (must have been US 1?) with huge live oaks that had hanging spanish moss dripping off their branches. That made quite an impression on me as a kid, I'd never seen moss on trees like that before. But the biggest impression I remember was seeing my brother at the end of our trip. I could see him opening the car door for my Mom and giving her and my Dad a huge hug. My parents were so very proud of him. I just idolized him. Life was rough on him after he came back from Korea but despite all that life threw at him, he never lost his pride in being one of the few, the proud, the Marines.

Again, I'd like to thank you men for your blessings to him in his new tour of duty with St. Peter. You've actually made it a lot easier to say solong (not goodbye) to him with that image.
God Bless you all.
Tiger716

[FistFu68]

:usmc: IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE,ARE MANY MANSION'S;I GO PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU.:usmc: :iwo:

[yellowwing]

This is printed down here somewhere, but I'd like you to see it

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

[Tiger716]

Thank you for that great poem. I've copied it to a file. Have a nice day.
Tiger716