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Nov 09, 2005 - NIWOT, CO -
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| Here is a very touching photo honored at this years International Picture of the Year, Todd Heisler of The Rocky Mountain News.
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.
During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: "See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."
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| Here is a very touching photo honored at this years International Picture of the Year, Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."
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| Sgt. Major Paul Patton, Retired. Works with a lot of the movers and shakers around the USA. Still a Marine, through and through. Nice guy, too! New Bern, NC. |
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| SSgt. Jerry McNally, 1973
Now retired, and a senior VA Advisor in Reno, NV. |
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| Many years ago, August, 1970; my time in Marine bootcamp in San Diego, CA. |
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Marines of all ages celebrate November 10. It is the birthday of the Corps. The truth of it is, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine".
It takes a special man and woman to take a challenge to be a Marine. Those of us who took the challenge, salute those that are taking the challenge today, and to those who are couragous enough to take the challenge in the future. It has nothing to do with race or color. It has everything to do with honor and courage. When you are in a tight situation, the color or race of the person beside you has nothing to do with whether you trust them to do their job. If they are Marine, man or woman, they will do it.
November 10 is the Marine Corps birthday. This year, November 11 is Veterans Day. Please say thank you when you see a Veteran. A lot of brave men and women have died before us for this country since the 1700s. And those who continue to put their lives on the line today, and in some cases giving their life, are the ones giving us the opportunity to be who we wish to be.
I had the opportunity to meet a Navajo Code Talker today, Nov. 10, 2005, at my Grandaughter's grade school in Longmont, CO. What an honor to meet a hero such as he. The Grade School staff brought former military together with all the kids. Very nicely done.
I salute the Marines. Semper Fi. I salute those that are in the Navy, Navy Seals, Airforce and Army, Army Rangers and National Guard.
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A poem found by an Unkown Marine Author.
I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go
and did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing,
and reluctantly accepted the thought
of eternal loneliness…should I fail.
I have seen the Face of terror;
Felt the stinging cold of Fear; and enjoyed
the sweet taste of a moments love.
I have Cried, Pained and Hoped…
But most of all, I have lived times
others would say were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say
that I was proud of what I was…
a MARINE
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A Simple Thank You
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I (Stuart Margel) noticed a Marine Sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the Sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a Soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you". Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the Sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public THANK YOU to our military Men and Women for what you do, so we can live the way we do.
Stuart Margel, Washington, D.C.
Semper Fi, John Turner |
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