Needless to say, I am deeply touched by your words and truly appreciate them.
In April I returned to Parris Island to keep a promise made to my 16-year old grandson, planning it to coincide with the day the globe and anchor emblems were awarded to a graduating Lima Company.
There were six platoons comprising it, and as we arrived in the morning, they were on the Parade Deck practicing for the most impressive afternoon ceremony before their families and friends.
From the moment we got aboard the base, I was transformed into exactly how I was fifty years ago when I first stepped on the hallowed ground..:))
My adrenaline was running strongly, and before noon Kyle was badly lagging behind, and by day's end dragging!
Somehow I was back in 'right guide mode', and every bit as tall and proud as when I was instructing women recruits in classroom subjects there.
Things were both familiar and quite changed on base - the wooden barracks (no a/c) of my time replaced by brick ones.
The memories truly flowed . . .
I was aboard when the Corps was at its greatest buildup in its history, men trained minimally and shipped to fight in Korea.
I know your feelings now, and assure you they will only deepen through your lifetime, whether either of you are career or not.
If you click on my name, you will go to my Profile Page and see the Before and After Corps pictures, including the one by the Iwo Jima Monument for which I was "A" Company Guidon Bearer in its dedication in August of 1952.
May God guide and bless you two and all our military present and past, and your families and loved ones.
