Veterans Day in the United States today is celebrated for many enduring thoughts and a single reason.
Freedom.
Yet today, you might remember a single time or place where it all comes back to you and then you smile.
We had just finished our tour of the U.S. Marine Corps museum near Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) in Virginia. Richard was the First Lieutenant that taught me many skills and lessons in life and he was so joyful as we pulled out of the parking lot.
Then it hit him, the entrance Gate to the MCBQ base was just visible to our right and he barks his command: Turn Right Here!
“Got to go see old Brown Field and where we went for Officer Candidate School (OCS)”
As we approached the Guard Station, there was building anticipation of what to say and what would happen if we were declined entry.
The driver side window rolled down and now it was our time to explain: “This U.S. Marine would like to take a ride through to see Brown Field once again and where he attended OCS, sir.”
“Let me see your Drivers Licenses.” The guard looked us over, glanced into the back seat and then said: “OK, go ahead.”
Marine officers are the embodiment of the Corps and the school’s motto, “Ductus Exemplo”, which means ‘lead by example…
As the son of a U.S. Marine, there are eight plus decades of learning and understanding why my Dad Richard, was so focused on “Ductus Exemplo” in our family.
The quick tour of Brown Field was a success that day and my appreciation for what he learned to become, was now more vivid in my mind.
Our bed was made every morning. Mowing the front yard lawn was completed after school before sun set on every summer Michigan Friday. Our driveway was cleared of snow by 9am the morning after the “Grand Tetons” storm had passed.
He always exemplified who he had become at Brown Field and then Parris Island, training and caring for his fellow U.S. Marines as a Second Lieutenant.
He went on in his life to become a family man with a daughter and three sons, a dedicated husband and business executive, plus a scratch golfer. His Country Club Championship trophies adorned my clothes dresser as a kid.
Veterans Day is truly about our continued Freedoms.
It is also about those leaders in our country, whose service continues long after they receive their DD Form 214 Discharge Papers and Separation Documents.
This U.S. Marine Richard passed away at the age of 86. We will never forget you!
“Semper Fidelis”…Always faithful!
