At the Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial park on Hwy 87 in Port Arthur , Texas on Monday May 28th (Memorial Day) 2012. My wife and I arrived at 2pm as the band began to play and the service started at 2:30pm. When we got there the pavilion was full but we were able to squeeze into the back left hand corner under the roof in the shade. While the program was going on I was listening to a friend of mine, retired Colonel Chris Lamson, with 25 years active duty in the Marines and I looked over my right shoulder and noticed the old veteran setting on the wall. His wife had been holding the umbrella over his head and laid it down to stand up where she could see the speaker and hear what was being said. When I turned to look the second time I noticed the Marine had stepped forward, picked up the umbrella and was holding it over the older gentleman. You can tell by the shadow that only the left shoulder and arm of the Marine was in the shade. Notice his right hand behind his back standing at parade rest in full dress blues. Not once did he flinch. The temperature forecast that day was predicted to be 90 degrees or more in the shade. In Southeast Texas the humidity can also match the temperature. If you have ever worn a set of dress blues you would understand how hot they are. He stood there until the service was over. When it was over I walked up to him and said " Thank you for such a kind act for the old veteran" He just looked at me and nodded as if to say, "it was my duty". As I walked away with a tear in my eye and my heart swelling it made me proud to know that the old traditions are still carried on. It was 57 years ago this summer that I joined the Marines.
Cpl. Bill Feidler
Port Arthur, TX
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June 22, 2012
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These views, opinions and ideas are my own and do not represent those of the US Marines, Department of Defense, or any Government organization. I usually think about this stuff when I'm running or suffering from stress or lack of sleep. You can torture me, kill me but just don't bore me "All original material copyright © by Maj Pain, 2004-2013. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced in whole or in part without express permission."
respect and honor are not maintenance free, it comes with responsibilities.
Your honor or dishonor will reflect upon those that came before and after you.
Posted by: Bruce | June 23, 2012 at 07:08 AM
Such nice gesture. I get amazed everyday at how much respect for people and traditions marines usually demonstrate.
Posted by: Lili | June 23, 2012 at 08:19 AM
Damn... More tears flowing..
Thanks for this beautiful posting... The traditions and respect put forth by the Marines never change. Awesome!
Posted by: Pincher | June 23, 2012 at 02:16 PM
Awww :')
Posted by: MINDY1 | June 25, 2012 at 11:02 AM
Ever get the feeling like hockey chucking a fellow employer into the wall because he is an idiot? I know there are some of you that would just love to throttle people who think with their ass and treat warriors like babies.
Posted by: Replica Watches uk | April 06, 2013 at 02:22 AM
Be proud. Do not let the partisan BS about Obama and "un=mbrellagate" diminish the honor of the Corps.
Posted by: Joseph Kissane | May 17, 2013 at 06:08 PM