Not as Mean, nor as Lean, Still a Marine

[Inchessi]

It has been a couple of weeks shy of a year since the unexpected death of my Father. I have finally had the time and means to travel to his grave site since the burial. Basically, I had not seen his grave, nor his headstone. With some urging from my Saint, we went. Strait from the airport to the grave, and on day three, from the grave to the airport. Military coins and rocks are left on the stones, and rarely tampered with. I have family and friends there, but I just needed to see dad. Next trip, I will go alone so I can linger.



Day Two: I had read about the National Marine Corps Museum but it has been over a decade since I last saw Quantico. Sunday I asked the nephews if they would like to join us. As teenagers, it surprised me when they jumped at the chance. I spent six hours there, and I was rushing to get through. It isn't even finished yet. If you are ever near Triangle Virginia, it is well worth the trip to visit. All of the volunteers that I spoke with were Marines. Male and Female. I may have supported a couple of Birthday Balls with the coinage I dropped at the gift shop. What can I say, a lot of my friends are Marines, I had to get them trinkets.

Me and the Saint on the walking path:


The nephews and I near the entrance:

I know, I have let my hair and gut grow since I got a sweet office job and gave up the brick laying.

[Father Bill]

Beautiful pictures, and an even better story. Well done, lad!

[flyrod6057]

"Til that last landing's made,
and we stand unafraid
on the shores that no mortal has seen...

Til that last piper's call
sounds TAPS for us all:
Semper Fidelis, Marines."


Dad's proud. You did well.

Cheers,
Brad Flanagan
Gunnery Sergeant
USMC (Ret.)

[Dale Seago]

Well done indeed. Semper Fi.

[bigdad1]

You did well and your Father has much to be proud of. One of the most important things we can do is not forget and not let others forget. Congratulations for visiting your Father and I hope you have many chances to repeat your visit.
Semper Fi
Vietnam Corpsman

[piperdbh]

May I ask about the rocks on the headstone? Is that a family tradition, or a Marine one?

[Mike_Oettle]

Great to see that the nephews were not only keen to pay a visit, but were also kilted.
What is it about the wives of kilted men that they prefer to wear bifurcated garments?
And as for your gut going, it still looks pretty good to me.
Regards,
Mike

[Inchessi]

May I ask about the rocks on the headstone? Is that a family tradition, or a Marine one?

Neither. I have only seen this done at Arlington and Jewish cemeteries. At Arlington it just means that This grave has been visited by a friend or love one.

[Father Bill]

Neither. I have only seen this done at Arlington and Jewish cemeteries. At Arlington it just means that This grave has been visited by a friend or love one.

Same in a Jewish cemetery: "You have not been forgotten."

[Mickey]

Very nice. Thank you and Semper Fi, Mac.