Once a Marine always a Marine, as it’s said. I enlisted some time ago; from Jan 1985 to August 1989; it seems like yesterday. The duration was a total of four-and-a-half-years on active duty and during those years the possibility of being sent anywhere was inevitable. The military provided me the opportunity to see areas of the world that I wouldn’t have seen, but of all those travels, none have landed me on any soil of war or conflict.
Over the years and looking back on my time in the military and being stationed in multiple places, in multiple barracks, eating in multiple chow halls and knowing there were military personnel prior and later to my stint who have walked on the same ground, slept in the same barracks, ate in the same chow halls of whom are no longer with us, gives me chills at times.
As the Commander in Chief, John A. Logan in 1868 has given to all of us – the benefit to say thank you and celebrate in memory those military men and women who have sacrificed life’s ultimate expense protecting that same idealistic freedom as we know today.
So, while you’re out and about celebrating with family, friends or fellow military, stay true to the memory of the day’s purpose.
Happy Memorial Day.
Rod King
USMC
~MC