That is the case on normal days. Today is not a normal day. In about one day, a child that I watched grow from Cub Scout to Eagle Scout. From boyhood to manhood reaches a milestone that few reach. Many may aspire to reach this goal. Many dream of it. Large numbers of young Americans try. But, in the end, few actually do achieve this goal. The goal I speak of is to earn the title of "United States Marine".
I have wittnessed the journey from Civilian to Marine many times. Twice with my own children. My oldest daughter and youngest son are both Marines. My son still serves as a Corporal of Marines in the reserves. I have watched friend's children make the journey. I even have family members who started this amazing transformation, only to fall short in one way or another and be sent home.
When a Recruit is sent home through physical disability or inability it is due to no fault of his/her own and I would not consider that a failure. Many Recruits are sent home due to medical conditions not discovered in the regular physical screening of military entrance. It's not easy to become a Marine.
So, I have seen both the joy and sadness that entrance through those gates at Parris Island, South Carolina can bring.The Military and especially the Marine Corps is not for everyone.
I've known the young man who is on my mind today, for 16 years or more. He is my second son's best friend. These boys grew up together. They were Boy Scouts together. They even made Eagle Scout on the same day.
His mother and I have grown to be very good friends over the years. We talk often and both have a fondness for good coffee. Over the years, we have consumed a lot of coffee together as we watched our respective children grow to adulthood.
This particular young man did well in school. He has worked all of his life. As a youngster, he could always be found around the neighborhood, finding something worthwhile to do. When he was of age, he went right to work and has been steadily employed since. Never in trouble, he went about his life and all were proud.
But, for whatever the reason, this young man wanted more. So, he worked hard to join the Marine Corps. He ensured that he was in the proper physical condition. He worked hard to learn the knowledge required of new Recruits before he left for "Boot Camp".
Now, his journey as a Recruit is nearly complete. By 8 o'clock tomorrow morning, he will have completed his final challenge of Recruit Training. The Crucible.
The Crucible is an infamous 54 hour, grueling test of stamina, leadership, grit, determination and values. It is the culmination of an intensive 12 week training regimen which requires the Recruits to use every skill and all the knowledge they have learned since arriving at Recruit Training. At the end of this test, there are 3 prizes.
They first of all will no longer be Recruits. Upon completion of the Crucible, they will have earned the title "United States Marine".
Second, they will be given the symbol of their new status. Their Drill Instructors will shake their hands and give them the Eagle, Globe and Anchor. This symbol is know around the world as the insignia of only United States Marines.
Finally, the new Marines will eat the "Warrior's Breakfast." This is an all you can eat meal that these Marines have earned. Part of the Crucible is that the Recruits are on "Short" rations. They have not had 3 meals a day. They are hungry. But the food is not the most important part of this meal. The Drill Instructors eat with their new Marines. These Drill Instructors, who have been nearly untouchable for the last 12 weeks, sit with their former Recruits and talk to them as Marines. They do this because these men and woman are no longer Recruits. They have earned the coveted title; United States Marine.
So, today, as I feel my age, just a little bit when I think of this little boy who is now a man and nearly a Marine, I am proud. Proud of him for his accomplishment and proud that we as a Nation can still produce such fine individuals that they are willing to put themselves second and serve a cause that is greater than themselves, greater than all of us. As he stands at attention at Morning Colors tomorrow, for the first time as a Marine; all who have served before him stand with him.
Yes, that little boy I once knew is gone and in his place, tomorrow morning will stand a United States Marine.
Well Done! Semper Fidelis Marine!
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.*
*Verse 1, "The Marine's Hymn"
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