Christmas message from Sgt Grit:
OK...this is my page so I am going to ramble on like an old fool for a few minutes.
Remember as a kid waking up on Christmas morning to the possibility of a miracle. That is, getting the bike with the special handle bars you always wanted, the leather basketball, the GI Joe. Today it is an iPod or electronic games. But the expectation that anything is possible is still there. To me this is uniquely American.
At one time as Americans we thought we could do anything. Defeat the British and start a country based on a revolutionary new view. Westward expansion and its massive development. Leading the world in railroads, automobiles, aviation, computers and many others. As a kid, I can remember JFK challenging the country to be on the moon by 1969. We did, I was on radio watch in the FDC center in Vietnam and to this day can remember how proud I was of my country to have accomplished that goal. (Am I rambling yet.)
I can remember arriving at MCRD San Diego, May 29th 1968 with a sense of anticipation which quickly turned to fear when the DI got on the bus. I can remember my first attempt at climbing the rope on the obstacle course. I have never been blessed with a lot of upper body strength and climbing that rope seemed "IMPOSSIBLE". I did it! And to this day I can remember saying to myself, these guys are making me do things I didn't think I could do. I like this. I can do a lot more than I think I can. What's next?
I imagine most Marines have had a similar moment of awareness. That's the gift the Marine Corps gave me. The Corps and my DI's challenged me. I responded and am a better person for what Corps allowed me to do. To me that is what America is all about: anticipation, expectation, challenge, accomplishment, miracles. What a great country. God Bless America!
Merry Christmas
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
Sgt. Grit,
I served with "Golf" Company 2/1 Marines in Vietnam 1966-67 just
south of DaNang. It was December of that year and being a Marine
Grunt unit we had our share of patrols, ambushes, & operations
that month. Many of the Marines would talk of Christmas past at
home with Family & Friends. In our Battalion rear area we had a
large tent for our Platoon. Marines were receiving Christmas
cards in the mail. These were hung on comm wire around the
inside of the tent. I was all of 20 years old at the time and
wanted a Christmas tree for our tent. Where do you find a
Christmas tree in Vietnam? Christmas trees don't grow in this
tropical climate. But I did remember out by the edge of our
Battalion perimeter there was a small scraggly tree much like a
little pine tree. So with my rifle (M-14) and trusty Marine
Corps issue combat knife I headed out to the edge of the
perimeter to cut our Christmas tree. Dragging this scraggly tree
back to our Platoon tent the other Marines laughed when I told
them it was our Christmas tree. This scraggly little tree had
all of five limbs. It was as close to a Christmas tree to be
found in Vietnam. I set it up at the back of our tent.
There are no Christmas tree decorations at the Battalion PX, so
I set about making my own. I dre`1w patterns of angels, snow
flakes, and stars. We always had empty drink cans around the
tent. I cut the ends off the cans and then split them down the
side. Once laid out flat I traced the patterns on them. After I
cut out a few with scissors and the Marines laughing saw how
they looked, they quickly wanted to help. Here's about a dozen
Marines sitting around cutting out Christmas tree ornaments.
Soon we had the little tree covered with these homemade
ornaments. But there were no lights for the tree. Even with no
electricity that was not a problem. I took another empty can and
cut a slit from top to bottom. Then at each end of this slit I
cut another slit across at the top & bottom. Then I folded back
the two sides. Inside I placed a candle. In Vietnam with no
electricity Marines always had plenty of candles. Thru the hole
in the top of the can I hung a piece of comm wire. I lit the
candle and hung it on the tree. The other Marines were anxious
to make more of these candle lanterns.
It wasn't long until this little scraggly tree took on the
appearance of a real Christmas tree. Marines have a knack for
making do with little or nothing. Now looking back after all
these years that was one of my best Christmas ever.
Merry Christmas & Semper Fi,
Sgt. Maddog Gatlin U.S.M.C.
Santa Claus Training (Youtube Video)
Subject: Fwd: Official Visit of LtGen Santa Claus
TO: ALL Marines
FROM: Goode, U. B., Commanding Officer
RE: Operation Order 12-11-08 for: Official Visit of LtGen Santa
Claus
1. An official staff visit by LtGen Claus is expected at your
house on 25 Dec. The following directives govern activities of
all Young Marines, during the visit.
a. Not a creature will stir without permission. This includes
warrant officers and mice. Marines may obtain special stirring
permits for necessary administrative action through the
Battalion S-1. Officer stirring permits must be obtained through
the Deputy, Post Plans and Policy Office.
b. All personnel will settle their brains for a long winter nap
NLT 2200 hours, 24 December. Uniform for the nap will be:
Pajamas, Cotton, Light Weight, General Purpose, OG, and Cap,
Utility woodland pattern, with ear flaps in the extended
position. Equipment will be drawn from the supply room prior to
2130. While at supply, all personnel will review their personal
hand receipts and sign a Cash Collection Voucher, DD Form 1131,
for all missing items. Remember, this is the "season of giving."
c. Personnel will utilize standard "MRE" ration sugar plums for
visions to dance through their heads. Sugar plums are available
in "MRE" ration sundry packs and should be eaten with egg loaf,
chopped ham, and spice cake to ensure maximum visions are
experienced.
d. Stockings, Wool, Cushion Sole, will be hung by the chimneys
with care. Necessary safety precautions will be taken to avoid
fires caused by carelessly hung stockings. 1st Sgts will submit
stocking handling plans to S-3, Training prior to 0800, 24 Dec.
All GySgts will ensure their subordinate personnel are briefed
on the safety aspects of stocking hanging.
At first [sign] of clatter, all personnel will spring from
their beds to investigate and evaluate the cause. Immediate
action will be taken to tear open the shutters and throw up the
window sashes. On order OPLAN 7-98 (North Pole), para 6-8 (c)
(3), dated 4 March, this office, takes effect to facilitate
shutter tearing and sash throwing. SNCOs and NCOs will be
familiar with procedures and are responsible for seeing that no
shutters are torn or sashes thrown in house prior to the start
of official clatter.
f. Prior to 0001, date of visit, all personnel possessing
Standard Target Acquisition and Night Observation (STANO)
equipment will be assigned "wandering eyeball" stations. The
Company GySgt will ensure that these stations are adequately
manned even after shutters are torn and sashes are thrown.
g. The Battalion S-4, in coordination with the National Security
Agency and the Motor Pool will assign on each Sleigh, Miniature,
M-24 and eight reindeer, tiny, for use by LtGen Claus. The
assigned driver must have a current sleigh operator's license
with roof top permit and evidence of attendance at the winter
driving class stamped on his DA Form 348. Driver must also be
able to clearly shout "On Donner, On Dancer, etc."
2. LtGen Claus will initially enter house through the Company
Office. All houses without chimneys will draw Chimney Simulator,
M6A2 for use during the visit. Draw chimney simulator on DA Form
2765-1 which will be submitted in four copies to the S-4 prior
to 23 Dec. Personnel will ensure that chimneys are properly
cleaned before turn-in at the conclusion of visit.
3. All SNCOs and NCOs will be rehearsed in the shouting of
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" or "Merry Christmas To All
and To All a Good Night." This shout will be given upon
termination of the visit. Uniformity of shouting is the
responsibility of each Company GySgt.
Semper Fidelis,
GOODE, U. B.,
Commanding Officer
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I
will listen t you. You will find me when you seek me with all of
your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Merry Christmas Sgt. Grit,
My son, LCpl. Brett Kelley is spending his first Christmas in
Iraq. His third Christmas away from his family while serving our
great country.
He is 21 years old and the light of my life.
I wanted to thank you for your newsletter and all the
information I receive from it. It never fails to answer a
question for me before I have a chance to even ask it. It has
been a burden of mine as a mom to have Brett coming home in
March from Iraq without any family to be at their platoons
homecoming. Brett has been stationed in Okinawa, Japan for the
last 1 1/2 years. So his homecoming from Iraq will be in
Okinawa.
It made me sad but happy to read about the mom and her sister
getting to see her son's homecoming in Camp Lejeune, NC. Wow!
That had to be better than Boot Camp graduation!
What I would give to be at Brett's homecoming from Iraq! As I
read on in your newsletter I had a heavy heart and thought about
Brett's homecoming in March. That's when I started to read the
email from a Lori Haynes about volunteers welcoming the single
Marines back from their deployment when they had no family there
with them. My heart is so happy to know that Brett will be
welcomed with a hug and a warm smile from (Hopefully) a mom that
will remind him what a great job he has done and how his family
must be so proud! Because, believe me, if there were any way
possible, I would be there with open arms to welcome home my
only son! Thank you so much Volunteers! My prayers have been
answered and my fears calmed.
God Bless YOU and Merry Christmas!
Relieved and Proud Marine Mom!
Robbin Davison
Sylacauga, Alabama
I would just like to say
Welcome Home 2/7 FOX Co. MARINES !
Have a wonderful Holiday and Happy New Year
Job well done.
Lori Fernandez
"It is of great importance to set a resolution, not to be
shaken, never to tell an untruth. There is no vice so mean, so
pitiful, so contemptible; and he who permits himself to tell a
lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and a third
time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without
attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him.
This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in
time depraves all its good disposition."
Thomas Jefferson
Sgt. Grit,
I love this news letter and came across these two pictures I
wanted to share. I was with 3rd Bn 6th Marines from 1988 to
1990. Unfortunately my Marine Corps career was cut short due to
medical issues. I was honorably discharged and returned to my
hometown in 1990. I became a Police Officer in 1994, and still
am today, which takes me to the two pictures I submitted.
During our 16th of July festival this year, I was patrolling the
area where most of the vendors set up. I saw this awesome SUV
circling around the block. I remembered I had my camera with me
at that time. About the third time the vehicle crossed my path I
pulled out of my parking spot, and activated my warning lights,
stopping the vehicle. As I approached the SUV the window rolled
down. I asked the young Marine Staff Sergeant that was driving
if he was lost. He stated yes, and asked how to get to the
festival. I got a big smile and said I'll tell you if you take
my picture with this truck. We pulled into the American Legion
parking lot which was close by and the Staff Sergeant snapped my
picture. After we exchanged a couple of stories, he stated " Ya
know, when you pulled me over I got nervous, I thought I did
something wrong. Thank God it was one of us".
I must say it made me feel good to hear a current Marine refer
to me as one of them by saying "US". Once A Marine Alwats A
Marine! It's good to see there is still the same camaraderie
between the old and the new. Thanks for a great news letter and
Thank you Staff Sergeant. You made my 16th of July 2008.
Sergeant Sam Mavilla
New Jersey
"It is better to be envied than to be pitied."
-Herodotus
Sgt Grit,
As a Navy Corpsman, FMF qualified, and having spent 11 years
with my wonderful Jarheads, I would like to take this
opportunity to wish each and every Marine, Active Duty and
Retired, and those former Marines I wish all of you a very Merry
Chrismas, and a Happy New Year! For those that can not be home
with their families, I want to say THANK YOU for being where you
are, and for doing what you do.
The 11 years I spent FMF are the most memorable of my 20 year
Navy career. Thank you for all that you taught me... It has
served me the rest of my life.
For those that have Marines who won't be coming "home", believe
that they are not forgotten and will live forever in the
memories of their friends and loved ones. As the Marine told St
Peter on his rounds late one night... "Carry on, St Peter. We
are on watch and all is secure!"
SEMPER FI!
Addison "Tex" Miller
HMC(FMF), USN/Ret
Khe Sanh RVN, Dec 67-Aug68
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I wanted to say first, thank you for your service and running
this incredibly awesome website. My fiance is currently serving
in Iraq and with all of the orders I have placed through your
website it has put so many smiles on his face I cannot even tell
you. Well, I am very avid about saying ,'Thank You for your
service', to all and any military man or woman that I ever see
in uniform. For example, this past summer I decided to travel
down south to take some R&R. As we landed in Savannah, Georgia
and unloaded into the airport I realized I needed a cup of
coffee. I was exhausted and needed to wake up, because I needed
to get a car and drive to South Carolina. As I am standing in
line, I saw this gentleman in front of me with a long black
trench coat and a cover on that looks like the same cover that
goes with the dress blue uniform. So I tap this gentleman on
the shoulder and he turns to me and I say, 'Thank you for your
service.' He says in a strong New Zealand accent, 'oh well you
are welcome. Were you on my flight?' Then it dawns on me that
this gentleman was a pilot, dah! I turned 12 shades of Marine
Corps red and just politely said, 'Oh yes and it was the most
pleasant flight I have ever experienced'. I just then turned
around and walked on my merry way still 12 shades of red in my
face. He definitely knew I screwed up and I guess wanted to
help me out by thinking of a cover up. As embarrassed as I was,
that little mishap does not discourage me from thanking any
person I see in uniform even if they are non-military related.
I just look closer now.
Sincerely,
Civilian getting ready to marry into the military!
"When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that
virtue is not hereditary."
Thomas Paine
Team "Trying To Raise Money For Our Grunts" did it's first
Holiday run to honor our Heroes.
What better way to remind people that we have many, many heroes
thousands of miles away from their loved ones this holiday
season and to honor those whose families will never spend
another holiday with them, no? I sported 22 pounds of gear as
well as pictures of some of the fallen Marines from units we
have supported. Yep, I have them hanging off the back of my
pack to so that folks could see em coming and going
Thanks in large part to the hundreds of Sgt Grit Readers who
have supported us and our efforts, Support Our Marines, Inc
will actually hit our 08 fundraising goal! I have made new
friends all over the country who have humbled and inspired me
daily and, better yet, have helped us to send our 3700th package
to our Marines forward deployed. OORAH
Semper Fi
Dianne Villano
Support Our Marines, Inc
www.supportourmarinesinc.org
Sgt. Grit,
This was the scene at my local airport where I have my office in
Atlanta (PDK) where they brought a soldier home. We were all
teary eyed and stood at attention as the casket was moved.
Brings back bad memories. At least this time, we care.
Sgt. D R George
"Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country
has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of
American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must
always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any
appellation derived from local discriminations."
George Washington
I read the letters with great anticipation when I receive your
email. As the daughter, niece and mother of Marines sometimes I
laugh, sometimes I cry but all are appreciated and loved. This
is the first Christmas with out my Dad, he left us in September
to continue his battles in the sky with the rest of his Marine
friends, but the season will be easier with this forum and all
of the wonderful people who share their love of country and
Marines.
God love us everyone.
Judy
Dear Sgt Grit,
Our son is in Japan, awaiting his next training session in
California to head to Iraq. We miss our Marine, he is my
youngest of 4. Another Christmas without him. We are so very
proud of him, and wait for his safe return home to us. We love
you Kevin.
A Very Proud Marine Mom and Dad and Brothers
Merry Christmas and Stay safe
Family of LCPL Riquinha, Kevin,A
love Mom, Dad, Keith,Nick, Mike, and Stacey, and many Family
members here in New Bedford , Massachusetts
"The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than
their abilities; and for this reason, the heart should be
cultivated with more assiduity than the head."
Noah Webster
We stood the new poles and flags 10 Nov 2008 to honor LCpl
Anthony Grundy from Henryetta, Ok. It was wet and cold, that
did not matter and at 0800 we had the flags flying.
11 Nov 2008 we held a ceremony to honor all veterans
from left to right
USMC Mike Doak
USMC Ray Heminover
UNS Corpsman Stanley Page
USMC Bill Walker
Hello Sgt Grit.
I recently attended a graduation exercise at Parris Island for a
friends son, and was overwhelmed with pride seeing all these
young Marines both men and women starting out with their new
titles of United States Marines. A lot had changed since I was
in their shoes back in 1957 and in 1958 but the proud feeling of
each and every one of them was very visible as it was with me. I
also noticed that the amount of friends and relatives attending
was overwhelming.
This was 50 years ago for me but the memories are still fresh in
my mind. Congratulations to every one of you.
Mike Wenzel GySgt retired
1957 - 1977
"[T]here is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a
certain degree of circumspection and distrust."
James Madison
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I have a little MRE story. When our boys joined the Marines,
they did it together. So we heard every story that they had
twice. They were singled out allot because they were brothers,
but they are both glad that they went in at the same time. Not
so their mom! The empty nest was awful. Ask my poor husband, I
cried at the drop of a hat.
But when they came home from boot camp, what a wonderful time we
had. We had flown out to California to watch them graduate.
That was a thrill, really made us proud. Talked to allot of the
parents and we were the only ones there with two Marines.
They came home for ten days before they went to their duty
stations and brought some MRE's home to share with us. What an
experience. We ate them just like they ate them in boot camp,
COLD! We chewed the coffee and ate chicken something, and then
ate the wonderful desert. I now have allot more respect for the
Marines than I had ever had before. Not only did we eat the
thing cold, but we had to do it in ten minutes because that was
all the time that they had been allotted to eat them in the
field!
I look at our two sons today and know that even that little MRE
story, helped to make them the men that they are today. I could
not be more proud of them.
Pati Koeniguer, Semper Fi
SGT. GRIT,
I would like to tell you about a great group of former MARINES I
found out about 2 years ago. The group is called SEMPER FI #1
We are all volunteers. We have about 70 members, active and
inactive. ,Once a month we provide full military honors to
Veterans at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside Ca. We
usually do about 10- 15 funerals each duty day which is the 2nd
Friday of each month. The branch of service does not matter.
They are Veterans who earned and deserve this honor and it is
our privilege to give them the full respect they deserve. The
comments and thanks that we get from the families just adds to
the pride we get from doing these services. We have men & women
who drive 2-3 hours 1 way to be there on our duty day. The unit
is just a great bunch of people from all walks of life with one
thing in common, we are still MARINES. The pride we all get when
we put on our Dress Blues on that 1 day each month cannot be
expressed fully to you. The unit was formed 11 years ago and
gets stronger each year. We are always looking for new members.
If you are a Honorably discharged MARINE and would like to serve
again in our unit, you can contact our president Mac Mcclain at
jmksmcclain [at] gmail.com or at 909-225-2346 for more
information.
Steve Fisher former SGT. of MARINES 1ST. Recon Vietnam 68-69
"I come in peace, I didn't bring artillery. But I am pleading
with you with tears in my eyes: If you fvck with me, I'll kill
you all."
Marine General James Mattis, to Iraqi tribal leaders
My son went to boot camp Oct. 15, 2007 / graduated 1/11/08 ~
graduated MCT 3/3/08 - graduated MOS at a FIELD MP 6/11/08 and
departed 9/26/08 for the SAND till April 09. This is our 2nd
year apart during all the holidays that mean so much to family
along with his birthday in April. When he signed we all did and
with pride and love for him and our GREAT COUNTRY I take one day
at a time till he is back on American soil. I have decorated
his room with 2 trees that will be up till he returns with his
Christmas waiting for him. I want to THANK YOU from the bottom
of my heart for your newsletters, site and store. They have all
helped me a GREAT deal and my husband SWEARS to people that we
now have a Marine museum and that Sgt. Grit calls me when they
need something that they don't have in stock. HA HA! I have
filled my home and wardrobe with MANY wonderful things from your
store and hope someday to be able to visit you in Oklahoma and
hug the necks of those that assist me in my collecting. Merry
Christmas & Happy New Year!
VPMM Kim
LCPL Leonard in the SAND
"Freedom is Not Free But a US MARINE will pay most of your
share." ~ Ned Dolan
"The storms of life no more indicate the absence of God than
clouds indicate the absence of the sun." ~John Blanchard
Dear Sgt Grit -
God Bless America Quilts in Baghdad
I hope you can share the info below and attached photo with
other military and their families.
After touring the United States, 42 quilts from the God Bless
America exhibit are on display at The Stables, Camp Striker,
Baghdad, Iraq now through February. These 22" quilts were made
by men and women all over the US, to represent various patriotic
themes. Profits from exhibit rentals go to make quilts for
wounded soldiers. To see photos of all the quilts - go here
Joan Ballew
To The Shores Of Tripoli and Somalia? (Article)
"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore."
Yogi Berra
Dear Sgt Grit,
I was amazed to read the story of Chief Lou Legarie submitted by
retired Gunnery Sgt Ray WestPhal I had the privilege of
attending FMF combat corpsman training at Camp Delmar from Nov
66 to Feb 67 I remember to this day reporting in and seeing his
picture hanging on the wall in his Marine uniform with the
caption underneath "WAR IS H&LL" As other corpsman reported in
he said it was too late to start class during the holidays and
assigned twelve of us corpsman to various duties cutting the
grass ,painting the rocks along the road making nice rake marks
in the dirt (which I still practice today at my own home) We,
walked the streets of Ocean Side in our Marine uniforms although
we had not graduated yet .A trip or two to TJ to sight see
(sort of ) The Chief even took us to his home in Carlsbad for a
home cooked dinner .Christmas was approaching and the Chief
called us in .Take off he said you got seven days leave. Shocked
my buddy and I took a hop from San Bernadino heading south
.Landed in GA ,hitchhiked to Louisville where we scrambled
enough money to fly standby to Chicago after changing into our
Marine uniforms .Up for over 24hrs my buddy and I parted at
O'Hare where I took two buses to my grandmothers With five days
of eating raviolis and whatever .Time to return .My aunt bought
me a ticket back and I was to meet my buddy With a bad
snowstorm I was able to get out but my buddy was no where to be
found . Reporting back in the chief tore up our leave chits no
charge he said Two days later my buddy made it back The chief
said he was grounded to the base (sort of )This was a memory I
never forgot of the 12 corpsman Two were KIA one of whose
remains were brought home and identified May 2005 To Gunnery Sgt
Westphal if you have contact with Chief" Leaping Lou" Legarie
.Tell him thanks for all his service with the Marines .I am
proud to have served as a Fleet Marine Force Combat Corpsman and
owe a great memory of my time at Camp Delmar to him
Frank Morelli CLASS of JAN 67
Hello
I wish you well
I am a daughter of a former Marine
I march in the ANZAC parade with the USA group in Perth
Australia ANZAC is Australia and New Zealand's Service men and
woman's day My dad served in the Marines during WWII He passed
away in 1982 My son was killed at his work in an accident 22 yrs
ago age 23yrs So I know what it is like to loose a son and a
Marine God Bless you and all who are serving the USA Jan
"Don't you forget that you're First Marines! Not all the
communists in H&ll can overrun you!"
Col. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC
rallying his First Marine Regiment near Chosin Reservoir, Korea,
December 1950
To all Marines who are in harms way this holiday season I want
to wish you the very best that life has to offer. Shoot straight
and get the bast*rd before he gets you. You will be missed if
you get stupid and I do not know any stupid living Marines. In
many ways I wish I was with you.
Best Wishes
R.M. Williams Capt. U.S.M.C. Ret
Sgt. Grit: attached is a picture of my three kids - all wearing
temporary tattoos ordered from your website. My 13-year-old
son, Wyatt, is PFC in the Treasure Valley Young Marines. When
he graduates high school he wants to enlist to become a warrior.
Casi and Morgan (both 4 1/2) are very proud of their big brother
(as am I). Thanks for all you do!
Semper Fi
Ronda Webber
Marine Mom-To-Be
"Courage is endurance for one moment more..."
Unknown Marine Second Lieutenant in Vietnam
6 years ago my nephew, then a young corporal, was grousing a bit
about restrictions on what they could not do in the barracks
during Christmas.
He sent it in the form of a poem which I have to confess ticked
me off a bit. In a couple of hours I composed a response to him
which I hoped would set him on the right track and adjust his
brain housing group. Below is what I sent him.
Next month he heads back to Iraq. This time not as an air
winger, but as a SSgt and the team leader for a police
transition team. He just finished the school at Camp Pendleton
where he was the honor graduate amongst the officers and
enlisted.
Thought maybe if you knew some other young, struggling NCO, it
might help them.
Semper fi,
Donald Milsop
'Twas the night before Christmas, 1943
Task force off New Britain, No embarkation leave troops bedded
down, Quiet fear hoping tomorrow the beach would be clear
Steak and eggs in the morning, No fast
For after tomorrow, It Was months of C-Rats enjoy a last night
in a soft and dry bunk the next few months will be nothing but
funk
No dry clothes, Just a mud hole for home leaches and dengue and
OP's alone grieving for buddies as they carried them rearwould
they go bravely if needed they feared?
A job to do, Remember the mission
Wish they'd listened closer each lesson
Now turn the clock forward, To a time not so far and think about
who you really are
There's a legacy left for you to waer
Of a small little emblem, 'Bout which i care wear it with honor
for it's price was the blood of thousands of men who lived in the mud
Who wished for an hour or more in your boots to share one more
Christmas among the troops in a place where it's dry with no
fear of death who knew how to cherish the simple things best
Am I the man to fill their shoes
Or just moan away and sing the blues
Do I have what it takes to take their place am I fit to wear the
boots that I lace
On this special night
Forgetting my own simple plight
For this is a night which changed us all the good for mankind
who answered a call
Look back at the pictures from 1943
See the marines in the mud on their knee a chaplain standing in
spite of snipers mixing among the young lads and lifers
Never forget them, the price that they paid on this Christmas
night, would you care to trade?
"My only answer as to why the Marines get the toughest jobs is
because the average Leatherneck is a much better fighter. He has
far more guts, courage, and better officers... These boys out
here have a pride in the Marine Corps and will fight to the end
no matter what the cost."
2nd Lt. Richard C. Kennard, Peleliu, World War II
"It's a funny thing, but, as years go by, I think you appreciate more and more what a great thing it was to be a United States Marine... People will tell me what a shame it was I had to go back into the service a second time, but I'm kinda glad I did.. Besides, I am a U.S. Marine and I'll be one till I die."
Ted Williams
Merry Christmas Marines!
Semper Fi
Sgt Grit
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