Paul in California, who was in high school with me, dating one of my best friends, and another Bernie, the friend in Emerald Isle, NC, I've known for 33 years.
Bernie replied with his and his wife, Deane's, activities Friday. He met her when stationed at Camp LeJeune during the Korean Conflict, retired as a Sears executive to their house at Emerald Isle (near Camp LeJeune), and is surrounded with many Marine retirees there.
Concluding his letter was this:
"The other excitement we had was to go to that Young Marine Dinner in honor of all us verterans. I was surprised to learn that the Young Marines are actually kids from ages ten through high school age. They are young people who are sponsored and coached by active duty Marines, U. S. Marine Corps Reservists and civilians who teach these young people manners, pride in their country, how to obey orders, military history (as well as the history of our country) and thoroughly in neatness in personal gooming and dress.
They welcomed us, served us our spaghetti dinners and policed up the tables and area as we went through our meals.
They stood at attention when addressing us and showed us that there is still a part of our youth today that we can be very proud of.
A State Senator from Onslow County was there to be a part of it all and he stayed to have his picture taken with each of the sixty Young Marines who were present tonight. A great Veterans Day celebration was enjoyed by all in attendance."
"So, all in all, it was a great day. A day of soaring spirits to an evening of pride in our youth, our country and the freedom we all enjoy because so many gave so much over the past two hundred-plus years."
Only a Marine base area would have such a wonderful outreach to the youth of the community!!
