Standing Next to Heroism

• posted by: Cheryl
• posted in: Uncategorized, My Life, Scrap Life
• on: July 1, 2009

I had the absolute blessing attending a very special event on Friday.  I had the opportunity to attend a Change of Command Ceremony on Camp Pendleton.  I have gotten to know a very special gal through scrapbooking (the Lucky 13 circle journal group) www.theluckythirteen.blogspot.com. 

Her name is Candice McLean and she is a doll and beautiful inside and out.  She is one talented gal let me tell you and has designed her own paper line as well as worked with Rusty Pickle and many other scrapbooking entities.  Candice and I have gotten to know each other a little better (thank you Elena) and one thing we have in common . . . we are both married to Marines. 

My husband is out of the Marine Corps but there is a saying ‘Once A Marine, Always a Marine’.  You never say, ‘You used to be a Marine?’  No, “once a Marine, Always a Marine.”  Candice and her husband Chip are getting ready to start a new chapter in their lives and relocate.  But before doing so, the battalion that her husband leads says goodbye to their great leader and he reliquishes his command to the next officer chosen to lead this fine group of men and women.  I’m sure it has to be bitter sweet . . . leaving part of the family to start a new chapter but I’m also very excited for Chip, Candice and the family.  Well, I wanted to support Candice and attend and it was such a priviledge and honor . . . completely ours.  

Somehow, my camera got switched to sepia half way during the ceremony but kind of looks cool and historical.

We arrived and had assigned seating.  The Marine Corps band played prior to the ceremony.  It was a perfect afternoon with a breeze sitting underneath the tents.  Then the ceremony began . . . it began with singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’.  The ceremony was incredible . . . with the display of equipment, to the Marines in the battalion marching in unison, to the words expressed by the commanding officer, to the playing of the Marine Corp hymn.  It was absolutely awesome.  Tears were shed and a since of incredible pride and thankfulness to be a citizen of this country was on my heart.  I wish I had more opportunity to have taken photos but I just wanted to take it all in and I didn’t want to disturb any portion of the program.  I was standing next to men and women who are heros.  They and their families give of themselves for our freedom each and every day. 

There were many officers (Generals, Colonels, Lt. Colonels) present as well as enlisted men (Corporals, Sgts., Gunnery Sgts. and others).  Everyone was so nice . . . even the Generals where just so personable.  After the ceremony we introduced ourselves to a few young Marines and also thanked them for serving our country.  One individual introduced another to an officer by saying . . . ‘He is the one who got blown up’.  It was like it was a regular occurance.  The young Marine was scarred on his arm but I hadn’t noticed it until something was said.  Can I just say I am thankful for each and every serviceman and woman who has served (and continues to serve) in our military past and present (that includes my husband, my dad, Chip and his men and women).  I think it was a neat opportunity for my husband as well to be back in the military culture after 16 years or so.  He enjoyed it a great deal. 

After the ceremony which I will remember for years to come, the McLean’s had a reception near the Ranch House.  The Ranch House is a historical landmark there on Camp Pendleton and when my husband was in the service, it was known as the “General’s House”.  It’s where the General lived up until a couple of years ago . . . going back many years.  It also has rich history pertaining to missions (remember my recent missions trips . . . keeps on coming).  I’m learning a lot about California history.  It was a wonderful afternoon in a historical place.

It was wonderful to sit back and watch the camaraderie between the men and women.  We enjoyed talking with people who have been touched by the McLeans.  I know the McLeans leave a footprint on many hearts as they leave their current post but I also know they will be used to touch others as they look forward to the next chapter in their lives.  Thank you for your service to the Marine Corps and to our country. 

Thank you each and every one of you who have served in our military.  A reoccuring theme you will hear from me . . . but I have lived overseas in countries so less fortunate.  I am so grateful for the freedom we have and for our country.  As the Fourth of July approaches . . . remember all we have and be thankful.  Thank that serviceman or woman in your life, clap loudly for the servicemen and women in the parade, or send that card o package you’ve been meaning too . . . remember the sacrifice and faithfulness they have displayed. 

Having been a Marine Corp wife (gratefully and proudly I might add) I can say as they do in the Marine Corps . . . Semper Fi (Always Faithful).  And that is what our servicemen and women are to us as a country and to it’s citizens.

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