[SGRock]

I visited my sister in the DC area some 7 years ago. I insisted we go to Arlington to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and also the Marine Corps War Memorial. I saw a gentleman there just reading the names of the battles. He rubbed his hand across "VietNam". I caught his eye, and he nodded a greeting. I replied with "Semper Fi, Sir." His reply to that was a choked "Semper Fi, Marine" in return. Then he walked away shielding himself from the cold. My sister asked me what that meant. As is with many that never have been in the Corps, it was hard to explain.

Many remember ceremonies or parades concerning special times or places, like seeing the Silent Drill Team perform in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial. I will never forget that man in front of the Iwo Jima Memorial and what that short greeting meant to me and probably him as well.

SEMPER FI!
LONG LIVE OUR CORPS!