Whatever a man did from the ages of 18 to 23 ---- doesn't always determine the type man he'll become, once he "matures" and decides he wants more out of life that he has -- or feels the world owes him something more..
There are many very public characters that prove your point --- about those that may have served - and then turned out to be outright or borderline traitors or scum bags: John Kerry, Scott Ritter, John Glenn, Murtha, etc, etc....
Personally, I believe each of us is entitled only to be regarded as the man we have become -- not the man we were..
One exception - is those that were horribly wounded in the mind and spirit that they still remain a prisoner of their nightmares and will probably never be known for the man they could have been -- and must continue to receive the love of his friends for the man that he was... These are the saddest and most deserving veterans of all...
I believe I know what you're saying and how you feel..
I've NEVER been able to join any of the veterans organizations or attend any of the large "reunions" of our Battalion....
Not enough of the survivors or attendees, experienced the same experiences in the same manner - nor were they as close to men we lost as our small circle was..
We share only the era, uniform and love of the Corps -- but none us us saw the war in the same way....
I found it too depressing to attend the events, and even stopped attending the Birthday Balls...
The Balls were the most depressing, seeing all those bright eyed young warriors in Blues -- only reminded me of how old I had become - and how those we lost, looked so much like the young warriors at the Ball -- and will forever be that young.
I found that there were only a few of the men -- those I served most closely with, and those I never lost respect for -- are the only ones I continue to care to stay in contact with or to visit at The Wall....
You're wrong on one very important point.. There is only ONE Marine Corps... YOUR Marine Corps.. Anyone that enlisted, graduated boot camp, completed ITR, wore the uniform with honor and dignity and served their enlistment honorably -- is a Marine.. PERIOD....
Semper Fi Brother...
Thanks for the words of wisdom, they hit home. Guess I've been carrying that around for too long.
I remember wanting to join the Corps when I was just a kid. Then I somehow felt cheated. I read about the camaraderie of Marines in combat, and see it now with the Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.
But your right, I have to keep living up to the standards that I learned in the Corps. I'm still a part of the Brotherhood.
Thanks again, and Semper Fi.