May I share a letter from a fellow Marine Dad that I just read on another forum?  It is excerpted from the Sgt Grit newsletter "American Courage" of 01 April '09 ( and no, it is not a joke).

This past September I had the privilege of being at Camp Pendleton when my son returned from his first tour in Iraq with 1 MEF, CLR-15. To see the many wives, girlfriends, moms, dads, loved ones and friends assembled was amazing. All were there regardless of their specific political views, just to see their loved one back safe on American soil.

For those who'd never experienced this moment it was overwhelming and needless to say very emotional. Seeing my son's ear-to-ear smile for the first time in seven months had to rank in the top ten proudest moments in a dad's life. Hugs, laughter and kisses were flowing freely on the parade deck and in the parking that day.

The crowd was dwindling as the Marines were quick to get their gear loaded in the vehicles and 'just get off base'. Evening was falling quickly when even above the sounds of joy and laughter you could hear the sound of a bugle over the p.a. system. Without even thinking and in what seemed to be a seamless movement, my son handed his cold adult beverage off to me, turned toward the flag pole and cracked to attention, rapidly followed by a crisp salute. In that split second that parking lot went from sounds of joy to a peace and calm I'd only experience in church. A quick glance from side to side revealed camie clad Marines in the same position as my son. Without a word soon followed us 'civilians' standing more erect and the placing of our hands over our hearts.

It was a quick 'ceremony', but what amazed me most was those Marines had just gotten back from sand, heat and months without their loved ones and yet..the reverence and pride for the flag was without question. I wish every American could've seen the look of pride and respect that was on each Marine's face as they paid respect to their flag that evening.

It took several minutes after Taps was done sounding off those buildings, at Area 22, for anyone in that parking lot to move or make a sound. Looking around revealed that many loved ones were just as in awe as I was. Without a spoken word those Marines said wonders, that evening, for 'love of country'.

Thank you Marines for that lesson of patriotism and for all you do and are willing to do in the future."

- Gary*
The Few, the Proudest..a Marine Dad*

I went through a similar experience on an Air Force base a couple of years ago.  It is a great feeling being around our military and experiencing the love and devotion they have for our country.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry...  Semper Fi

You have every reason to be proud Jerry. 

Thanks for sharing that.

Beth

I have seen and been apart of thoses welcome homes. My Father wouldn't let us see him off, it was too hard on all of us.
But even as a kid if taps was being played you turned toward the Flag in the middle of the base and stood still. there wasn't another sound that could be heard for miles.
It is great to know that your son is home safe, give him a hug and make sure he knows how proud we are of him and thank him
Semper Fi
A Marie Brat
PF wishes
b

Semper Fi          Will always bring a tear to my eye

                       JPC   
                  Former Marine

no-one wrote on Apr 4^th, 2009 at 7:01am:



I was an army brat and have these same memories. My Dad left us to go to Viet Nam at the house and his return was very private in an over decorated super excited home.
I remember being at swim practice and when taps started we stopped swimming, all 100 plus of us. Regardless of which *army*  post we were on this was the deal. Cars stop driving too. It felt odd when we lived off post and this 5:00 routine didn't occur.

Charlotte