Slideshow from a dinner at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, VA that honored fallen Marines.

Fallen Heroes

that is really sad. a lot gave all. too damn many. semper fi bros

OORAH!!

JB

Thank you! Very touching.

I watched a show on the military history channel about the taking of Iwo Jima in WW2 and a grizzled, badass old Marine was telling how Iwo Jima was the perfect battlefield. No civilians, no animals, no innocent noncombatants on the island, just 2 armies in a desperate struggle to the death for control of a 3 by 5 mile piece of volcanic rock that is basically worthless except for it's strategic value in taking down the Japanese empire. 22,000 Japanese defenders killed with only 200 prisoners taken. 7,000 US Marines killed with another 16,000 wounded. It's hard to fathom why this was necessary sometimes. It's insane when you think about it. But that beautiful old Marine wouldn't have had it any other way. God Bless the United States Marine Corps.

OORAH !!!

quote 1stSatInMay: "Slideshow from a dinner at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, VA that honored fallen Marines.

Fallen Heroes "

Thanks large for this post. We oughtta teach this kinda stuff in school, but when we can't even get the kids to learn 50 (or is it 57) states and their capitals I guess I expect too much.

quote spottedowl: "I watched a show on the military history channel about the taking of Iwo Jima in WW2 and a grizzled, badass old Marine was telling how Iwo Jima was the perfect battlefield. No civilians, no animals, no innocent noncombatants on the island, just 2 armies in a desperate struggle to the death for control of a 3 by 5 mile piece of volcanic rock that is basically worthless except for it's strategic value in taking down the Japanese empire. 22,000 Japanese defenders killed with only 200 prisoners taken. 7,000 US Marines killed with another 16,000 wounded. It's hard to fathom why this was necessary sometimes. It's insane when you think about it. But that beautiful old Marine wouldn't have had it any other way. God Bless the United States Marine Corps."

While stationed in Futenma, I had the opportunity/good fortune to be assigned to a sortie to fly to Iwo and deliver some parts for the aircraft of a General there. While on the ground, one of the base personnel drove our crew up Suribachi to the summit. Knowing what had transpired there 31 years prior, (this was in '76), the feeling of pride and awe was overwhelming as I gazed down upon the colored beaches where my preceding brothers had landed and sacrificed years before. That is the most special place I have ever been, and the Boundary Waters is second. But I'd rather be in the BWCA: there ain't no fish on Suribachi.

SEMPER FI (without prejudice to Grumpy, brother)