[LadyX]

Thanks for the hail here, CARepubGal.

One of the highlights of my life was at the Dedication Ceremony of the Iwo Jima Monument on the Parade Deck at Parris Island.
Every dime for the monument was contributed by Marines.

Women Marines in 1952 were separate from the men, so in the ceremony we were "A" Company of the eight full companies.
It was the greatest buildup of The Corps in its history.

It was my privilege to be Guidon Bearer out front of the parade with the "A" Company Commander, proudly carrying the American Flag and going Front & Center to salute the Reviewing Officers with the other seven Guidon Bearers.

For those who were at Parris Island, you know that if there is a parade, the wind will come!
No slight feat for a 118-lb. gal to hold steady the staff held straight out during the interminably long National Long Anthem.
I'd have dropped dead before I'd let it waver, of course.

The Drill Instructor who'd trained me took bets on the sideline from males who questioned my ability to perform it to perfection..:))
It was my privilege to be a Classroom Subjects Instructor for women recruits during the Korean Conflict, and participated in all inspections and ceremonies as Right Guide for Company "A" while I was stationed there.

This is a picture of me 50 years later, taking my grandson there a year ago - - -

[sine_nomine]

My brother was a Marine DI, properly speaking, IS and will always be a Marine. The Marines are an inspiration to everyone.

The second raising is an awesome photograph. It captures the action so well that I always stare at the monument. It seems to be alive. I saw it as a boy and later as a young father. I wonder if the power of the photograph has overwhelmed the memory of the nation. It is a great symbol of the entire action.

I have trouble with isolating one group or another as the heroes of Iwo Jima. They were all heroes, from logistics and Naval artillery to the men fighting on the ground.

[CARepubGal]

That is a great story and picture. And what a great thing to share with your grandson! I figured you would enjoy the article.

[Mixer]

Thank you for sharing this with us all.

[jwfiv]

Good morning, Firefly...thanks for pinging me to this story about the forgotten Marine, and for reminding me of your presence at the dedication of the Memorial...a wonderful image, just barely out of reach...you in uniform holding the Guidon.

[Dubya]

Semper Fi