Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Happy 235th Birthday Marine Corps

On a cold winter night back in college, my car went off the road heading up Sunset hill in Spokane.  I was terrified, cars flew by one after another and the snow was coming down fast.  I could not get anyone to stop and I was freezing.  I crawled back in to stay warm.  Then some lights of a big truck shown in my window and two very burly men with kind eyes said "OORAH!  We will get you out in a second, stay put".
And in a few minutes I was up on the road again.  They saw the sticker in my back window, a simple round sticker with a very familiar symbol, Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.  USMC.  They consider themselves a brotherhood, and this is what "Brothers" do. 

I am the proud wife of a United States Marine.  Cpl Nathanial Ryan Wood was active for 4 years but the truth is (and any Marine will tell you this) "Once an Marine, Always a Marine".  It is a title we in this household carry with much pride.
Nathan joined the service out of high school with a lifelong desire to have that title.
I was proud the day (after a 3 month boot camp and many letters later) That I saw him in the crowd of 2/7 Fox Co walk up the field singing the Marine Corp Hymn.  He followed his dream.


The Marines were there 9 years ago the day we were married, to welcome me into the family.  They have kept that word of "family" ever since.  After Nathan suffered a head trauma they checked in.  They helped move our home from St. Maries ID to Standpoint in 2006.  They serve our country every day, whether it is handing out a toy to a child at Christmas (The Marines run Toys for Tots) or being the men on the front line.  First in and last out.  I cherish the fact that I can hang that red and yellow flag in my yard.  I am proud of Nathan.  He is one of the few, one of the Proud.  My Marine

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

2 comments:

Kathy-Dustbin Handmade Cards said... Best Blogger Tips

Oohrah Jennifer! I too,proudly fly that flage over the trailer house. As the daughter,sister and mother of former Marines, I can appreciate your lovely post. Give Nathan my best and thank him for his service. Blessings on your week!

Hollie Joy In The Morning said... Best Blogger Tips

Cool!!! Awesome story, so proud of Nathan and proud to count you two (three) as friends!!
Love
Hollie