HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINE
Dear Karoline and John, Thank you for your kind letter. I am sincerely
flattered that something I wrote was of help to you, John. I wish you a
swift and complete recovery. Continue whatever it is you have been doing
and I'm sure you will find your reward. In case you didn't see my birthday
message to my fellow Marines I'm sending you a copy. I have received many
good responses to it. Hope it will have some meaning to you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINE
November 10, 2001
I have often spoken of how I feel about the young Marine and why he is my
hero. The young Marine holds my respect because he perpetuates my life. He
is an extension of all that you and I have done as Marines. He is over and
over again the Marine Corps. He is the new breed. He will be the old
breed.
The young Marine comes upon the scene only for a short time. He brings
with him the strength of a young unburdened body. His mind is fresh and
uncluttered. He is fearless because he has not know fear. Thats why I
respect the young Marine so much: he is short lived, he is totally
committed, he is fearless.
Especially today, we remember our Marines who have gone on before us. Once
again we answer roll call. We stand in humble respect of our fallen
comrades. Let us honor the departed for their loyalty and their sacrifice.
For some of us this will be our last. Let us give thanks that we have
helped keep American free with the grace God.
The American Marine has survived every type of warfare. He has struggled
over coral reefs, across beaches, into deep jungles, over tremendous
mountains, down streets with strange names. Through desert sands, across
the oceans, up into the skies and on beyond he struggled and he fought and
he died. Today as these warriors stand to post on the streets of Heaven,
their patriotism and valor will be forever recognized, and for us, their
glory will never fade.
Shadows of giants parade through my memories, marching to places I have
seen. Going forward to reclaim what once wasLong ago when I was a Marine.
I did not choose to be a common man. I was born with the right to be
uncommon. I did not wish to be a common citizen, humble and dull from
living a routine existence's. I dreamed and I built and I strived for
excellence. I preferred the challenges of life, the thrill of fulfillment,
the adventures of tomorrow. My God given freedom is a precious gift. I
will never serve any master nor bend to any threat. In my brotherhood I
stand erect, proud and unafraid, I think and act for myself, enjoy the
benefits of my efforts and I face the world boldly and say, this I have
done. All this is what it means to be a United States Marine.
I think of the Marines standing duty around the world this day and I pray,
Dear God! Bless them all. Give them the strength of your love. Lead them
safely through the battles to come. Bring them home alive. Amen.
Once again the young Marine is on the line: Capable, well equipped and
trained, he stands ready. With his officers and noncoms in position to
guide him he will meet the challenge head on, and he will seize the
victory and the day will be his.
I wish I could be there with him, but he dont need me. Im old, set in my
ways, spend too much time dreaming about the good old days. But if I
could go along Id be mighty proud, me and Old Glory marching high in the
cloud. I would sing the Marine Corps Hymn and God Bless America a time or
two, Id sure let everyone know about old: RED - WHITE - AND - BLUE.
HAPPY 226 YEARS MARINES! WHEREVER YOU ARE!
SgtMaj. Floyd P. Stocks, USMC, Retired
