Respect and Pride
Nov 19 '00
After driving for 15 hours from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to our home in Chillicothe, Ohio, my son pulled into our driveway at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. We talked for a bit, he showered and grabbed a few hours of sleep. Upon rising, my son donned his Marine Corps Dress Blues and we drove to the VA Medical Center to attend their Veterans' Day celebration.
I stood in amazement while my son was approached by one veteran after another. They all wanted to meet this Marine in his uniform. My son stood patiently and respectfully while listening to each and every story that was told by the veterans --- some who were patients at the facility and some local veterans who were attending the ceremony.
I was so proud on him as he shook one hand after another, saying with each handshake, "Thank you sir for serving our country". The smiles on the veterans' faces were priceless to me. The pride I observed on my young Marine's face will forever be etched in my memory.
One veteran in particular seemed overwhelmed to see this young Marine and explained that he was a former Marine himself. He gave me a hug and said, "God bless you for raising such a fine young man who is willing to serve our country". I replied, "Bless you for having served our country". He stepped back, took a deep breath and looked me square in the eyes while saying, "God DID bless me today. He brought you all here".
I felt humbled that such a small act could bring such emotion from this man. I also felt tremendously proud of my young Marine for wanting to attend this ceremony. As I looked around the auditorium, I realized that he was the only active serviceman in attendance. To be honest, if my son had not encouraged me to attend, I would not have been there. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see the faces of these men who served our country and to experience the atmosphere of pride and honor displayed there on that day.
I have great respect for all members of all the services for their dedication and sacrifice for our country. I also have extreme respect and pride for my son, who felt compelled to give up over four hours of his short weekend leave to honor these men and women. He explained to me that he "owed" these veterans this show of respect.
I truly wish that all parents would teach their children the traits of honor, respect and pride. I know that my son had a strong foundation prior to his enlistment and I now see that he has grown into an even more respectful and honorable person with the help of the Marine Corps.
My son has benefited from growing up in an atmosphere that allowed him to become a great Marine, a great adult and of course, a great son. I can't tell you how proud I am of him and his actions, but I hope you got the message from this writing.
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Epinions.com ID:
b_lawhorn
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Member: Barbara Lawhorn
Location: Chillicothe, Ohio
Reviews written: 112
Trusted by: 46 members
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