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Thanks very much, Kathy! John-Man has retired for the evening - still a growing boy, needs his rest, etc.

I, on the other hand, in my senescence, can maunder on interminably. :)

But seriously, this was a great evening. The Drum and Bugle Corps marched down the Parade Deck playing "Scotland The Brave" followed by "The Minstrel Boy" - two of my all time faves. Interesting that in this day and age they still have those Celtic songs at the core of their repertoire. The Presidents Own played, of course, "Stars and Stripes Forever." The Colors were posted to Bagley's "National Emblem March."

The crowd was full of Vets and families of Vets. There were a couple of Outfits present on Reunions. I saw a lot of WWII and Three-War Vets. I and they were all treated with great kindness and respect by every serving Marine there. And I also have to say, it is quite an impressive sight to see several hundred active duty Marines, men and women, officers and enlisted, standing together in Full Dress Blues with Medals and Swords, Honoring our Troops, our Fallen, and our Great Nation. I will never forget this night as long as I live!

"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)