[Milsurplus] December 7th

[n2lxm at juno.com]

December 7th


Greetings All,

 I know this is a day or so late and a bit off subject, but I just had to
write it. On Tuesday the 6th of December My wife, Daughter, and myself
had the Honor and privilege to witness a graduation Ceremony at the FBI
Training center, Quantico, VA. The ceremony was for the latest class of
the Marine Security Guard battalion, which one of my two sons is a
member.  Over the last seven weeks these man and woman have been put
through a demanding course of study, physical and mental training to
prepare them for duty over seas. For those who do not know the Marines,
working with the State Department are the Security for all embassies and
consulates around the world. Before this class my son took I did not
think it possible that he could stand taller or look more proud, I was
wrong.  The next day December the 7th, we drove the thirty miles north to
Washington DC to walk around.  I wanted my family to see the WWII, Korean
and Vietnam Memorials. I had also timed my arrival to be at the wall with
members of my detachment from Vietnam. The surviving members now meet
once a year to Honor those who give the last full measure of devotion to
our County.  After our little ceremony we all drove to Arlington Cemetery
to see the changing of the guard and to lay a wreath on the gravesites of
our Honored departed.  As I write this I know that my son is now heading
for his first overseas assignment and he will be gone a total of three
years. Words can not describe how I felt, standing at the wall with my
family and son at my side. I have only to say, to those who have heard
the call, and have stood at the front of the line to defend all of us
from the darkest of times THANK YOU.


                                         Jeff N2LXM
                                          American
                                            Patriot
                                Amateur Radio Operator
                         Proud Father of Two U.S. Marines