Happy 231st Birthday Marine Corps!

My parents were invited to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the National Museum of Marine Corps today at 2pm.

This weekend, they will get to tour the museum. I am jealous! I would love to be there.

My dad retired after 20 years in the Corps in 2000 as a 1st Sergeant of 1st Tank Battalion in Twentynine Palms.

I was born in 29, while my dad was attending an electronics school to become a Crypto Tech. After many moves, we were stationed there again, where I graduated high school and he retired. It all came full circle.

I have many stories, many memories that I'm very proud of that I just can't do justice by writing here. It would be inadequate. Bou has posted about her memories of growing up in the Navy. She's done a really great job of putting it into words. Particularly the coming back from deployment. I remember many days waiting for the buses to roll in with my dad (or stepdad, who has served 18 years in the Marine Corps).

When I was really little, and my dad was gone, he would send letters that I couldn't read. His handwriting was just too bad. Mom would have to read them to me. So, he started sending cassette tapes of him telling me how much he missed me and how much longer until I got to see him. My mom has some of the stuff he sent me in a save box for me. I move so much, I'd hate to lose it. So she's holding it all for me until I'm ready.

One of the funnier memories I do have is when I went to the Marine Corps Ball with my dad and my stepmom. I was 17 years old, worked on the base and, well...enjoyed it.

As we took our seats at the ball, my dad strategically placed himself on my right, and the chaplain on my left. Yea...there were no interactions with all the yummy guys in their Dress Blues. Ugh!

I did get to go again, 2 years later, with an actual date. I loved it!

My dad is still very much a Marine. You look at him still today, and see a Marine. I was raised in a strict, structured and very loving Marine Corps family. Despite him being retired, my lil sis is being raised the same way.

I don't blog much on military matters or the war. I have opinions on it all. I have feelings on it all. Thoughts and feelings that my words just cannot do justice.

But today, I had to at least wish the Marine Corps and all Marines a Happy Birthday and a big Thank You!!