If you get a chance to be at a Marine Corps Birthday Party, consider yourself blessed. I have had the honor of being at three of them. One being the 200th Birthday. It's a beautiful ceremony conducted by Marines, for Marines. The Marines (they are not soldiers) are in "Dress Blues" with blue wool trousers and a "Blood Stripe" down the outer seam. With white gloves and swords it's a moving tradition.
So with that I say a personal Happy Birthday to SSGT Gregory Cummings, 20 years retired, fought in lands unnamed. SSGT Ronald Cummings, 10 years, fought two tours in Vietnam, left his beloved Marines to take care of me in my time of need. Wayne Metz, medically retired Marine at 18 from a land mine in Vietnam. Robert Darr, black shoe Marine (air wing) tried it but decided not to make it a career. SSGT Michael Darr tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, present duty, Mount Fuji, Japan. Michael Schiek, served without public knowledge of his whereabouts.
Semper Fi
Gerry and I attended a number of Marine Corp Balls and always had a great time. It was special to see the Marines in their dress blues and the ceremony that went with it. The cake was usually good also.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Marine Corp.