You know I love you, and I’m glad my wife forwarded this to you so you could read it. Remember – You Coast Guardsman are always on our minds – One of yours died helping the Marines on Iwo Jima. You do a great job of protecting our shores.

From Aztec shore to Arctic zone,
To Europe and Far East.
The Flag is carried by our ships,
In times of war and peace.
And never have we struck it yet,
In spite of foe-men’s might,
Who cheered our crews and cheered again,
For showing how to fight.

We’re always ready for the call,
We place our trust in Thee.
Through surf and storm and howling gale,
High shall our purpose be.
“Semper Paratus” is our guide,
Our fame, our glory too.
To fight to save or fight to die,
Aye! Coast Guard, we are for you!

Semper Paratus
Corporal of Marines.

Storekeeper

Fortunately, this is a free country – A country whose citizens are free to believe whatever they choose. The unfortunate part about it, is that also means they have the freedom to burn our flag, protest at funerals … Sometimes I wonder if they even know who they’re protesting. They’ll tell you they protest “the government,” but that’s the most obsurdly vague thing I’ve ever heard.

They’re protesting the military and saying servicemen are dying because God is punishing them for their acts. But, they’re just trying to rationalize their exsistence.

The truth is that they protest the troops because they don’t know what else to do. As I said before – I am all about freedom of speech. Go pickett on the White House lawn. But be warned – There are Marines guarding it. Go pickett the Pentagon. Pickett something monumental.

In reply to my original post, someone spoke about today’s youth. I whole-heartedly agree. unfortunately, I am typically lumped into the same category, as I too am a “Millenial.” I was born in 1985. Since I was a little boy watching “G.I. Joe,” I always knew I’d one day serve my country.

Too many of today’s children and young adults think it’s cool to wear their pants below their “hind-quarters” and speak in broken English (even though they were born and raised in the States).

I’ll never understand it.

Thank you once again for your support. I was overwhelmed by the response.

Truly Faithful I remain,
Corporal of Marines.

I had the privilege of knowing some Marines during my time in the USAF, and every one was, to echo Severian’s comments, the best this country has to offer. From your post, and by their service every day, it’s obvious that that has not changed.

Again, thank you and God bless you.

When I look out at what passes for young men and women in the US today, semi-illiterate, lazy, attention deficient, reading something so well written, and by a person who has their head on straight and has committed themselves to our protection, it renews my hope for the future. In my job I see a fair number of soldiers and airmen (not too many Marines unfortunately), and they always impress me as the best this country has to offer, and our hope for the future.

I’d like to thank you for being the type of person who can restore hope and wash away some of the cynicism that we all pick up looking at the Britney Spears generation, as well as for being willing to go out in harms way and protect us all from the savages of the world. You are among the best that this great country has produced, and I wish you Godspeed. I feel that you will be successful in whatever you set your mind to, be it a military career or a civilian one.

I have been following this issue lately and, even though Capt. Lund said it very well, I must say that if someone has an issue with the current status of the US Government, it would seem to me that they should be talking to their congressmen/women, senators, House Reps, etc… Seriously – some young man or woman elects to join the Marine Corps and suddenly they’re in the wrong?

These troops enlist with absolute knowledge of the risks. They know they could be sent to Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, or any other country we’re fighting terrorism. They know from day one with their recruiter that there’s always a risk of death.

They train and prepare – but no amount of preparation can guarantee you’ll survive. They move into combat zones – WILLINGLY – because it’s what they believe is right. Who are YOU (Code Pink) to tell them they’re murderers and traitors?

Who are you to disgrace your countrymen?

Marines have mentally branded the code of Honor, Courage and Commitment to their souls and will die for it. They will die for you. They will die so you don’t have to.

You think what we’re doing is wrong? No matter what came to pass before the events of 9/11, I can most certainly guarantee that if we didn’t take action, this war would’ve been waged right here on OUR US soil.

Let’s go back and stop the President from branching away from his original goal (Osama) to topple the tyrannical regime in Iraq. Then fast-forward five years when the streets of Berkeley are stained with blood.

When the Marines have a perimeter around you, under heavy direct fire – What would you think?

Whether what we’re doing in Iraq is right or wrong is absolutely NOT the point. Just remember that whether you’re “Code Pink, Red, Green or Blue,” Republican, Democrat, Green Party … The Marines will die for you. When you trample the National Flag and curse the Marines – They’ll still die for you.

The United States Marine Corps is not affiliated with Republicans. We’re not affiliated with the Democrats. We’re affiliated with you – Our country. We’re affiliated with this ground.

When a young man or woman makes that firm decision to join the Marines, they have to “swear-in,” reciting the Oath of Enlistment:

“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

Now, at no time does it list any political parties.

It says that I will support and defend THE CONSTITUTION. So let’s take a look at that particular document. We’ll just go with the Preamble:

“We the people, of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

I know – When our ancestors wrote the Constitution they meant to conclude with, “But, only when it’s all convenient.”

When our government acts in a way you disagree with, it is your DUTY as citizen to question those actions. Not to question your faith in the military. We do what is asked of us – and we’ll continue to do so. While you’re disgracing this Nation, remember – Some young Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman is gasping in their last breath in order to protect the rights of the citizens of other countries. They’re dying for you. They’re dying for strangers. All they want is your support. Disagree with your President, but love your servicemen and women. Without them, you’ll have to fight for yourself.

THAT particular group is “Breast not Bombs”

Sherri Glasers group I believe.

Why is it that the nastiest looking men and women are the only ones that want to get naked….lol

~ President Abraham Lincoln

I believe this quote should be extended to citizens and non-citizen residents of the US as well as our Congresscritters.