The day at Parris Island was absolutely glorious !!
Reveille was at 0500, and I eased through the breakfast and pack the car tasks.
Departure was at 0825 - a pleasant 2-hour drive to reach the Main Gate at Parris Island.
The sign at the entrance announced 'Condition Bravo' and underscored the world situation.
Closed in general to the public, it was no problem obtaining the temporary pass - new cammos made from Gortex for the guard at the Pass Shack shielded him from the chilly breeze nicely! It was not 'cold' per se - but standing in it for a period of time makes it seem so.
Remembering where the Visitor Center was, just beyond the Parade Deck, on the ground there were the six platoons comprising Lima Company !
After getting maps and chatting in the Center, Kyle and I walked down to the Reviewing Stand Area. There were a few families there observing the practice for the 1300 ceremony.
Taking pictures along the way, the partially filled roll was completed, and I sent Kyle back to the car to get another. In the center of the Reviewing Stand was where the dignitaries usually sit, now occupied by a few personnel associated with the Company on the field.
You would have been proud of this 'Fearless Fosdick' Freeper..:)))
Without hesitation, I made a beeline over to the lone officer there - a Captain Torres.
He was courteous and interested in my narrative of being there 50 years ago as a classroom subjects instructor (in June, it will reach that) and being "A" Company Guidon Bearer at the Dedication of the Iwo Jima Monument - the goal of those going through The Crucible.
You will laugh when I tell you he is THE Lima Company Commander, and we chatted pleasantly the remainder of the practice! He easily could have excused himself, saying he needed to concentrate on the field - knew I would not be offended in the least - but seemed to be enjoying it, too!
When I referred to the Discovery Channel presentation of the training, he divulged it was to them very embarrassing - I understood that, rather touchy-feely with the slant on the emotions of the recruits. He said the General was furious at the portrayal that denigrated all their hard work to reshape them and have them pull together. That certainly computes . . .
As the practice ended, Kyle caught up with me.
We drove a bit around Mainside - saw the old Cobbler Shop (where else do you hear THAT term in America?!) - Chapel - Museum, etc.
Deciding there was not time to then tour the Museum (and the Gift Shop not open until 1400), we drove over to the waterfront where the old Officer's Club had been remodeled into a restaurant for the general public.
With fewer officers, it did not have enough persons to support it financially - still has an Officers' Lounge, but the dining is open to all at 1100.
The location is near where the WM 3rd Battalion was in my day, on a point along beautiful savannahs with huge moss-covered trees. I took some photographs despite poor lighting - cloudy, overcast day - but some might be good.
Eternal Optimist here!! More enthusiasm than skill...:))) Not sure yet about Kyle's ability or lack thereof.
The intent was to beat the Families Crowd so we wouldn't have to wait to be served.
Were seated by the large windows overlooking the savannahs, and a red cardinal kept bashing and pecking the glass, wanting IN where the good smells originated!
They do this every day, we were told.
I opted for the buffet, and returning, there was a lovely-looking dignified older woman at the adjoining table by herself, and I paused to speak with her. The kind who looked as if she deserved respect.
The assessment was right on - her father had been the Chief of Staff for the base in WWII !
She had her wedding and reception in the original structure that was now remodeled!!
Whole family (uncles, cousins, husband, etc.) had been Corps.
Her husband was career, and then served in Atlanta on the Governor's staff 21 years working on their State Education Program.
Assume he was deceased, because she said Atlanta was too busy and crowded, and 'she' had moved down to Hilton Head. (beautiful and posh) Came often up to Parris Island to the bank and Post Exchange and to just get away to a different and familiar place.
(Can you not feel her emotions?)
Before long it was time to head back from a quick circle of the base - pausing for me to snap more pix..:))) - often! Parked near the Parade Deck - more pix of the waiting platoons.
Promptly at 1300 was the greeting by 'my' Captain Torres - and the formed platoons over to the far right snapped to attention and began the approach to the reviewing stand.
No one will EVER stem those intense feelings that are evoked - EVER. The right oblique they did toward us, and then straightening out to pass us to form along the area in front of us was beautiful to behold.
The six platoons were 352 men and women strong, comprising Lima Company.
This was the ceremony culminating The Crucible, where they were given their globe and anchor to pin on their caps - the MOMENT THEY BECAME and were ACCEPTED as GENUINE MARINES !!!
With family and friends there to see it for many . . .
As they marched past, each of the six platoons had their own cadence call, ignoring the others.
( I could just see myself at the front of my Platoon so long ago as Right Guide !!!
I just FELT tall ! and PROUD . . .)
The third platoon of the company was using one that shouted, 'We're struttin' our stuff !" - and the Right Guide and they WERE doing just that! ( Echoes - echoes . . . )
Perhaps you will believe me when I say I absolutely ground my 16-year old son into the ground! He was stunned by this new, vigorous MARINE with whom to deal - look at this, Ky - look at THAT, Kyle !! Before the day was over, he was hoping for a full retreat so he could rest up and avoid the verbal barrages...:)))
You should have heard him describing the day to Jennifer and Bill when I took him home - they all but convulsed, laughing. (Bill was in the Reserves for many years; now out)
I was SO UP all day - profoundly moved, and remembering every feeling of 'then' - and talked with dozens of persons - Kyle just kinda trailed along, and hoped I would run out of steam - but I didn't..:)))
At the Gift Shop came the sad news they no longer make the t-shirt I so wanted from our day - the scarlet one with gold USMC - several varieties in the shop, though, and I chose a black one with Semper Fi - and underneath USMC. (in gold) The others were too gaudy or cute.
I - um - did get - okay - three cassettes of cadence calling...:))) A mother's lullaby to one who lived aboard a training base - - -
hahahahaha
Those were the highlights, and I cannot describe to outsiders the total exhilaration that came with the day! I did NOT ever tire - Kyle could not keep up with me, reverting to the old, ingrained stride and pace that comes to the fore - and I tell you I am ready to return anytime!
Right after leaving the ceremony, btw, there was a small squad crossing the street, posting the two guards, and double-timing across.
One of the guards did not perform correctly and was mortified when the DI made him return to the position and do it RIGHT, RECRUIT !!!
Ah -- that first painful week for so many !
Just wait eleven more weeks from now when THEY graduate! They, too, will be something beautiful - - - eager and willing to serve their country that others might have FREEDOM !!!
May God bless our America and keep her strong, and on course ~ ~ ~
