[Recon Dad]

Boot camp graduation is a very moving experience. One filled with pride when you see your son become a man and a Marine.

Good luck to your brother and all those who graduated with him. May God be with them every step they take. Our prayers are with them every day.

[federal]

In May of 1965 I stood on "The Grinder" and graduated from boot camp at MCRD. Its hard to believe it was 40 years ago.

[July 4th]

Awesome pics! Thanks!

[ThaLeena]

My husband was/is a former Marine, and when we went on vacation to San Diego a few weeks ago, we went back to the depot. We spent a ton of money on Marine wear, and I'm certain we watched these very Marines practice. He took a ton of pictures and was almost in tears thinking back to those days--and that was only 15 years ago.

[ryan71]

Great pictures!

These young men are America's finest. We are in good hands.

[andyandval]

Great stuff!

[MinorityRepublican]

God Bless the Marines.

[MinorityRepublican]

[MinorityRepublican]

[El Gato]

Brigadier General John Paxton, Jr. congratulates PFC Kelleher

After running the 4 mile "motivational run" with the new Marines, the General expressed his gratitude for the sense of duty that each of the new Marines felt

Not bad for a guy that's probably about 53. Although it appears that the Command General has bad ankles. Either that, or he's wearing ankle weights to give himself a handicap so as not to make the new recruits look bad. :)

[2111USMC]

Thanks!

Brought back many memories from over 30 years ago.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Good to see Kevin ended up in the finest Battalion in RTR.

[SandRat]

For all Marines New and Old, active and retired

The Marine Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Semper Fidelis

AMEN!

[El Gato]

Freshly Minted Jarhead Ping!

[Calpernia]

Platoon 2082 at the "Eagle Globe and Anchor" ceremony, officially US Marines

[MinorityRepublican]

For the 4th of July, send a message to the troops to show them that we appreciate what they are doing in Iraq (and Afghanistan) so go to the website here Support the Troops

[SoCalPol]

A great post and wonderful pictures, thank you.
Several relatives have gone through MCRD.
I live around three miles from MCRD.

[JoeSixPack1]

32 years ago yesterday, I graduated from MCRD, PI, SC.

Nice anniversary gift to see the new kids. :-)

Semper Fi

[TASMANIANRED]

You must be very proud.

Prayers for your brother and all of them.

[StuLongIsland]

A bunch of guys doing something good for society, not sitting in their basement passing the bong, screeming Impeach Bush, or dressing up as clowns in Scotland.