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His age, 20 with a heart full of vision
A fierce need to serve in America's mission
With a spring in his step and a smile on his face
He headed with purpose to a tropical place.
Not in dress blues as had been his dream
But battle ready as a trained Marine
Tribute
With machine gun ready he made his mark
As an expert ready to disembark.
Was wounded twice but without defeat
Came back home still on his feet.
Just doing what he was trained to do,
Other soldiers had done it, too.
He married, had a family
Gave his life to Christ to be
Healed of all the memories
That few could understand.
Now 89 and feeling lost
In a world that doesn't know the cost
Of freedom's price that must be paid
So others could just have it made.
But One, and others knew it well,
This cause of freedom long upheld
And knew this one and honored him
Before a cheering crowd.
One great nephew who had joined the Corps
Knew of him but learned much more
About this man whose uniform
Was service, stained with memories.
Raised a cry to join the team whose
Goal it was to buy Dress Blues
As tribute bold to show the bind
Of soldiers through the years.
He climbed the steps when his name was called
Head held down and walking slow
Then one by one they came to him
Dressed in their dress blues
Presented him with uniform
Then all the medals he had earned
Saluted then as crowd went wild
To the shout of,"Semper Fi!"
The years between them slipped away
Respect replaced the year's nay say.
But then and now in these men's mind
This Marine wasn't left behind. |
Linda Webster Casserly's father and
WWII
Marine Veteran, who was in the battle of Iwo
Jima.
Author's Note...
The photo
of my father was taken in Johnson City, Tennessee at Freedom
Hall on July 3, 2010 after being surprised with receiving
his "first" Marines' dress blues from active serving "young"
Marines, who were part of the surprise. |
