The last few years have been going through bucket list items, things that I really wanted to do for years but either could never afford to do so or just did not have the time for it.
One of my fellow Marines with whom I served in Vietnam has now moved to Texas and has graciously offered the opportunity for our fellow HMM-263 Marines to invade his house on or around November 10 each year. (November 10 is a sacred day to Marines, as it is when the Continental Marines first were authorized and signed up new recruits at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775.) The ability to visit old friends and immediately be among Brothers In Arms once more is a life-lifting experience. We can immediately be back in our comfort zone and it is like no time had elapsed; we are together again. Hard to explain to someone who was not there.... but that's the way it is. The hair is a lot grayer now, but we are still Marines! (Once a Marine, Always a Marine!)
A few years ago, my nephew graduated from USMC boot camp at MCRD, San Diego. I attended his graduation and walked in the history of hallowed ground where I had stepped 45 years before. Going back was incredible. On one hand, it was as if I were back in 1966, experiencing the same scents and sights as thousands of Marines who went before me had done as well. One big difference... GySgt Williamson was not yelling at us this time.
So, to my nephew, I can say "Congratulations, Marine!"
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