| As a United States Marine you realize what things you take for granted. Your freedoms, your ability to advance yourself, choose your friends, and especially to live FREE. My expierience at Boot Camp in Parris Island S.C. was 13 weeks of un relenting mental and physical challenges. Not untill you meet these goals will you realize what you have gone to do. You have become a part of one of the best military factions in the world. No-one can ever take that right away from you. You have earned a title of United States Marine, and that feeling cannot be explained. You have an intense fell of pride, not only for yourself but for your country. When I returned to my somewhat strange home, it all hit me. We really are free... no-one really tells us what to do, there are no laws about what you can and cannot buy/do. (Granted its not narcotics/homocide) We live in a democracy where each person has a right to say what they like, when they like. Not untill you realize these freedoms will you understand the true meaning of American Pride. As the wake of Sept. 11th fades into memory, please dont forget that there are people out there fighting and dying for YOUR right to live free and happy. So the next time you see an american flag deteiorating on a vehicle, say something to the owner... that ripped,faded rag symbols who WE are. If you want to be social and have your flag, then do so, but dont expect me to smile and wave to someone who disgraces the colors that I may someday die fighting for. Thank You and remember, you are free. No one can take that from you. Semper Fidelis |
