Boyce Clark Poetry
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 Boyce Clark was a member of E/2/7, US Marine Corps, during the Korean War.
His full memoir can be found on the Memoirs page of the Korean War Educator under Boyce Clark.
Poem Index
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Chosin Reservoir
Here is a story that must be told,
Of Marines who fought in the bitter cold.
Some were veterans of World War II.
They would soon join the ranks
Called the "Chosin Few".
These veterans, though not too old,
Had one thing in common, all were bold!
Always outnumbered, but never outfought,
Fulfilled the lessons they were taught.
The Division was cut off, constantly hounded.
Then "Chesty" was heard to chime,
"They've got us surrounded.
The bastards won't get away this time".
Frozen hands and frozen feet,
The landscape covered like a great white sheet.
Still, they fought through the wintry breeze,
And destroyed eight divisions of the encircling Chinese.
Grunts on the ground will always share,
A special kindred for the Marine Corsair.
Their close air support left no doubt,
Of devastated Chinese along the route.
From Yudam-ni and Toktong pass,
Then Hagaru and Koto-ri,
First Division Marines fought their way to freedom,
To Hungnam and the Sea.
Now, truly a band of brothers,
We honor those Marines we never knew,
Hereafter, they will share with us in spirit,
We are -- THE CHOSIN FEW.
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7th Marines Remembered
Korea was called the "Forgotten War,"
And historians do not dwell,
But there are countless personal stories,
And here is just one to tell.
He was my friend, and I heard him die!
I said heard because I could not see,
Yet he was only fifteen or twenty yards from me.
It was March 7 of '51, this I certainly know,
As our dug-in positions were covered,
With a heavy blanket of snow.
His name was Robert Raspanti,
And I still can hear his voice,
It was filled with anguish and pain.
What were his thoughts -- of family or friends?
Or will I get home again?
This story would be repeated.
On this windy, cold March day,
As five more Marines from E-2-7,
Were to be listed as KIA!
Their names will forever be remembered.
And listed here below:
REGAN, PASSERO, MATERNE,
CASTILLE, and CHURCHILL.
They were 7th Marines who fought and died.
On that hill and in the snow.
We will never forget the sacrifice they made,
As they fought for others freedom,
And with their lives they paid.
I for one will always remember,
All the Marines who went ashore,
And the heritage they left us,
As members of our beloved Corps!
One day, we all shall meet again,
We'll look each other in the eye,
And say, welcome aboard Marine,
Well done! and -- Semper Fi!
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The High Ground
To those who served in Korea,
There was always one more hill to climb.
Be it in the heat of summer or miserable winter time.
The high ground proved to be our friend,
As we would dig in for the night,
And the two man holes we hastily dug,
Were always too damn tight!
It was to our advantage,
When the Chinese did drop by,
Thanks to well laid fields of fire,
All they could do was die.
We had seen what happens,
When you fail to plan ahead.
It was mid-May of 1951,
And a sight we'll never forget,
As we marched through "Massacre Valley",
And witnessed our Army's dead.
So climb we did and dug our holes,
No matter what the weather,
When you think of the alternative,
The gear we packed up those hills,
Seemed lighter than a feather.
To all who walked those Korean hills,
The memories will always be around.
As Marines we know the value,
Of always securing the High Ground.
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Korean War
In the year of our Lord 1950,
The U.S. and the world was at peace.
Then the bubble burst in the Far East,
And the peace we all knew would cease.
As thousands of North Koreans,
Would invade their neighbors in the South.
And once again the echoes of war would be heard,
In the "Land of the Morning Calm".
For thirty-seven months the battles raged,
And the outcome was in doubt,
Until U.S. led forces showed the enemy their clout.
There was the escape from Pusan's perimeter,
Then the invasion of Inchon from the sea,
And U.S. Marines of the First Division,
Would help South Korea remain free.
Still battles raged throughout the land,
Then an epic withdrawal would soon be at hand.
From the frozen Chanjin (Chosin) reservoir,
Marines and Chinese would be fully at war.
The world was told the Marines had no chance,
As thousands of Chinese were on the advance.
Yet, the 1st Marine Division proved the world wrong,
As they would march to the sea and defeat the throng.
With 10 Chinese Divisions at their back,
The 1st Marine Division would lead an attack.
The Marine attack would begin at Koto-ri,
And end successfully at Hungnam and the sea.
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Korea 1950-1953
Misery and agony, two words we knew so well,
Were common words for those who fought,
On that Korean landscape called hell.
From the summer of 1950 'till the summer of '53,
Brave men fought countless battles,
So South Korea would remain free.
We were told this was only a "Police Action",
And really not a war,
One wondered if the rest of the world,
Knew what we were fighting for.
We fought for another nation's freedom,
And against those invaders from the North,
Who would enslave their neighbors,
As enemy armies came marching forth.
From the perimeter at Pusan,
To the frozen Chosin (Changjin) Reservoir,
Then Spring and Summer offensives,
Would test the resolve of our beloved Corps.
The politicians and the pundits,
Called Korea, "The Forgotten War",
But just ask those who fought there,
What they were fighting for.
Freedom is not free and comes at a terrible price,
Just remember those who cherished freedom,
Yet with their lives paid the ultimate price.
And to all those who did come home,
Life itself is like a special soothing balm,
For they helped preserve freedom,
In this "Land of the Morning Calm."
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Korean Christmas Eve - 1950
It was cold, so cold, at that Masan site,
As we gathered to sing carols,
On Christmas Eve night.
Far from home, family and friends,
Still the warmth we shared knew no ends.
Snow flurries added to the spirit of Christmas,
While some even wondered,
If folks back home missed us.
Korea! Korea! Where the hell's that?
I can't even find on my old world map.
But here we are at Truman's request,
All bundled up for a long winter's quest.
I heard Joe O'Brien say, hey! Where's me hat!,
And in an instant, I knew where I was at.
You see, Joe was a classmate of mine at O'Dea,
A school in Seattle, so far away.
We hadn't seen each other in years,
So, we talked of old times, over Ashai beers.
We sang carols of course, cursed Acheson and Harry,
But time was short, so not to worry.
We had good chow, warm clothes,
And lots of Suntori!
Then Christmas Eve faded, along with our dreams,
Of being "home early",
Just another one of MacArthur's schemes.
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May Day 1951
"Marine, you die!" the shrill voice screamed.
Now wide awake, we had not dreamed.
Whistles, bugles, they all blared.
We hunkered down in holes we shared.
Here they come, though not too far,
The M1, the carbine, would not cope.
Still they come, though not too far,
Thanks to the Marine and his BAR.
The CCF, they really tried,
And for their efforts, they all died.
What was their purpose, their screams and yells?
They soon would rest in new-found hells.
This Korean night in May was serene,
Until they challenged a U.S. Marine.
For in the hereafter, they will see,
The Marine, the Marine, USMC!
Honor Guard
A solemn tribute is paid today,
By a guard of honor, as Marines would say.
A flag-draped casket, a friend perhaps,
A mournful tune as a bugler plays Taps."
This Marine we now honor and lay to rest
Had family, friends and this request:
"Seven Marines fire a volley of three,
There is no better way to remember me."
My time has come, the day serene,
As the Lord welcomes home...a U.S. Marine.
"Taps"
Twenty-four notes all loud and clear,
Breaking the calm of those gathered here.
A flag-draped casket is laid to rest,
An American hero, one of our best.
The sound of "Taps"
Brings a tear to the eye,
And we ask ourselves, "Why did he die?"
He gave his life so we'll remain free,
To protect and preserve our liberty.
Then seven Marines fire a volley of three,
"There is no better way to remember me."
Those mournful 24 notes
Have been heard once more
By all Marines in our beloved Corps.
So until we all meet at heaven's gate,
Those twenty-four notes will have to wait.
Then the day will come--
We'll look each other in the eye
And say, "Welcome aboard, Marine,
Well done and Semper Fi!"
Veterans Day: A Time to Remember
I stood alone and looked around
At this windy, cold and hallowed ground.
The countless markers, row upon row,
A reminder of wars fought long ago.
This common ground they now share,
Why are so few here to care?
Complacent? Forgetful? Who's to say?
Yet a time to remember, a time to pray.
As a nation we shall remember
All veterans who paid the price.
They answered the call when needed,
And did so without thinking twice.
Some fought the "War to End All Wars,"
A better life for one and all.
Still World War II, Korea and 'Nam,
What's the answer to it all?
Peace is hard to come by,
Yet if these veterans could only speak,
I'm sure their answer would be as one:
"Treasure liberty! Don't be weak!
Just don't forget we did our share
For country, freedom and you.
Is it too much then to ask,
Remember and give us our due?"
Now on this November Veterans Day,
Surely we can take the time to say
A heartfelt "thank you" to our veterans
As we pause, give thanks and pray.
Lest We Forget
They were all here and then no more.
These warriors, these Marines of our Corps.
They paid the price for you and me
That this nation would remain forever free.
They answered the call not thinking twice,
And we must never forget their sacrifice.
All rest here now as friends gather around
Paying respects at this hallowed ground.
What can we say to show that we care
As we bow our heads and say a prayer?
The sound of "Taps" played loud and clear,
An honor to all who will remain here.
So let us remember each Memorial Day,
As our time to pause, give thanks and pray.
We must always treasure our liberty,
And remember those who have kept us free.
And now that we depart this place serene,
We have rendered honors to a U.S. Marine.
"Easy" Company
The 7th Marines of "Easy" Company
Will all muster once again.
We'll gather in heaven's squadbay
To receive our orders for the day.
We served our time for country and Corps
And heard the terrible sounds of war.
Now as a lone bugler plays "Taps,"
Another Marine leaves our Corps.
We welcome him home as a nation gives thanks.
He is a Marine from "Easy" Two-Seven
And we are proud he is in our ranks.
So fall in Marine and cover down,
Sound off when your name is called.
Next time you hear the sound of "Taps"
And Marines fire a volley of three,
There really is no better way to remember you and me.
You can hear the faint sounds of Sousa's band
That stir not only our hearts, but others'.
We safely have come home from the wars
And will forever be a band of brothers.
For Right and Freedom
It is known by every Marine alive
That our Corps was born in 1775.
Formed by Congress
To protect our liberty,
We are known as warriors.
We are soldiers of the sea.
Since the founding of our nation,
We have fought against tyranny
In the jungles, sand and coral
Of World War II,
To the bitter, freezing Korean cold.
Our colors have never shown brighter.
Our Corps ethos makes us bold.
From Tripoli to Belleau Wood,
Marines would forever be known
As leathernecks and devil dogs--
Their fighting spirit well-shown.
From the first battles of our Republic,
And all other wars in between,
Marines always have been
At the tip of the spear,
For as our hymn reminds us,
We are the finest ever seen!
Now, let us propose a toast.
All stand and lift your glass
To our beloved Corps!
"To those Marines who went before,
We'll uphold your legacy,
For we are truly a band of brothers;
We are soldiers of the sea!"
Marine Corps Recruiters
We read it in the papers, then see it on TV.
The media's constantly telling us
This country's not what it used to be--
That we lack respect and discipline
And no one seems to care.
Well, I for one have a story to tell
That I am more than willing to share.
Our republic is in excellent shape.
You only have to look around.
Thanks to U.S. Marine recruiters,
Our Corps is on solid ground.
These young men and women
From throughout the good old USA
Will train at Parris Island
And near San Diego's bay.
Their one desire, to be the best,
Will be tested for 11 weeks.
The ultimate goal to be called Marine
Is what each individual seeks.
Discipline will be ingrained;
Respect must truly be earned,
For these are traits to live by
And goals for which Marines have yearned.
The future of our nation
Is in every youth we see.
Ask any Marine Corps recruiter
And he will readily agree.
So, next time you see a story
Knocking country, youth and more,
Remember these young people
Serving their country and our beloved Corps!
Thanks again to Marine Corps recruiters.
They are put through every test
And are ultimately responsible
For selecting the very best.
For once recruits have completed
Their 11 weeks or more,
They will have earned the title "U.S. Marine"
And will forever be part of our Corps!
Marine for Life
Since the founding of our beloved Corps in 1775,
Our finest young men and women
Have kept freedom's flame alive.
We have learned that freedom is precious
And that liberty comes at a price.
Yet, throughout our republic's existence,
And when challenged to fight,
Our Marines never faltered, but made the sacrifice.
Our Corps is filled with history,
For our heroes and legends abound.
Yet, all are proud Americans
And throughout the land are found.
Take a look at our battle steamers
As they glisten from our colors staff--
Each streamer a vivid reminder of encounters from the past.
Each streamer tells a story, of which we may be proud,
To be a part of history; we should shout it right out loud!
There are those who do not understand us,
And of course they never will,
For we are a band of brothers and understand the drill.
We have been forged together,
Be it in peacetime or in war,
And to each of us our Marine Corps is well worth dying for.
Those who have worn Marine Corps green,
And proudly wore their blues,
To you I say welcome board,
You have certainly paid your dues.
For "Once a Marine, always a Marine"
Is a motto we all understand,
And I know we all get chills
As we hear the strains of Sousa's band.
Our hymn forever reminds us
Of the battles we have seen,
And it makes us even prouder
To bear the title of United States Marine.
We now have another title
We'll carry through stress and strife.
Our Corps and our country will know us,
For we are Marines for life!
Veterans Days
Do you recall in years gone by,
When we used to pause and pray,
For those Americans who gave their lives?
We called it Armistice Day.
The 11th hour of the 11th day,
Of the 11th month of the year,
Was set aside to honor those,
Who fought for liberty.
It was called the "War to End All Wars,"
And they died for you and me.
Now, we call it Veterans Day,
To honor all those who served.
Surely, we can do no less,
For their deeds are well deserved.
But where now are the parades,
The marching bands and such?
Is it just another holiday,
Or do we really care that much?
If you care, then tell a friend,
And join in this Veterans Day.
Make the occasion special;
It shouldn't be made a chore,
For those you have come to honor,
Once cherished peace and not war.
Some now lay in hallowed ground,
For they paid the ultimate price.
Why not then, take the time to visit?
Surely, you can make this sacrifice.
So, whenever you meet a veteran,
Especially on Veterans Day,
Just wave, acknowledge him, or even better yet,
Why not shake his hand and say,
"Thank you for all that you have done,
To keep this nation free."
And to all who have served before us,
Who treasured liberty,
Once Armistice Day, now Veterans Day,
Just let us never, ever forget,
To pay our respects to all who served;
This nation will forever be in their debt!
World War II: "We Must Remember"
To the sons and daughters of America
Who fought to keep us free,
And to those who served on the home front
To help preserve our liberty.
Veterans, how can we ever thank you
For the sacrifice you bore,
And to those who never came home
From the European and Pacific war?
Your deeds should never be forgotten,
In fact, should be etched in stone,
As we gather here today and profess,
At last you are remembered;
You are honored and not alone.
As Americans, we must remember,
Freedom and liberty are not free.
Ask the veteran standing next to you
What he sacrificed for you and me.
The memorial before us is a reminder
That freedom comes at a price.
Yet when our nation called them,
They answered, not thinking twice.
As we dedicate this memorial
On this Memorial Day,
It is only fitting and proper
To pause, give thanks and pray.
To all who served in World War II,
Our thanks go out anew.
We have all come here today
To honor each and every one of you.
Future generations will learn
Just what our veterans have done--
That World War II was the supreme battle,
A battle which you have won.
As you leave here today, remember
Just what this memorial is fore:
To pay homage to each veteran,
And not to glorify war.
Too many years have now passed
Since that infamous seventh day of December.
Now is the time to pause and reflect,
And tell everyone, "We must remember."
Memorial Day
It used to be, when I was young,
There were parades and flags flying
In the bright summer's sun.
People of all ages turned out to see
Those young men in uniform
Who helped keep us free.
The occasion was called Memorial Day,
A time to celebrate, a time to pray.
What used to be a solemn tradition
Has now been forgotten, a truly sad omission.
Where are the patriots, those who care
About our nation in need of prayer?
We should never forget their sacrifice;
On far-off battlefields they paid a price.
It seems to me that one day each year
We could each pay our respects,
Wave flags and just cheer--
Cheer all those who are with us today
And honor those in whose memories
We'll shed some tears and pray.
For these men now rest in hallowed ground,
Surrounded by comrades, so quiet a sound.
Yet faintly I hear the soft sound of "Taps,"
Echoing the voices of men from the past.
If you listen to your heart and feel the soft breeze
As the leaves gently rustle
Through the tops of the trees,
Listen, listen! And no doubt you'll hear
Voices from deep within say,
"Let us put the memory back in Memorial Day!"
Now, here we gather to honor those
Whose memories will never perish.
We can do no less than to say thank you;
Your deeds we shall forever cherish.
Drill Instructor
They all earned the title of
United States Marine.
Now their one and only goal is to train
Young people in their teens.
They are known as drill instructors,
And for eleven weeks or more,
They challenge each and every recruit
As they strive to join our Corps.
You see, each drill instructor has completed
Courses at DI School.
Now each recruit will swiftly learn
That drill instructors rule!
"Sir, yes, sir!" are words recruits all share,
As they respond respectfully
To the DI with the Smokey Bear.
It is this distinctive cover,
That all drill instructors wear,
That sets them apart from others
As they train those in their care.
For, you see, drill instructors
Are the backbone of our Corps,
As they train young people daily,
Be it in preparation for peace or war.
There is no substitute for readiness
The DIs know firsthand,
As they ready each and every recruit
To embark to a far-off land.
The training will soon be over
Recruits' skills are honed and keen.
For finally, after the Crucible
They will be called United States Marines!
But what of the drill instructors?
What do they have in store?
Just the knowledge and pride of each platoon
They've trained for our beloved Corps!
This story will be repeated
On coasts both East and West
As DIs strive for each platoon
To do its very best.
So, to those Marines with the razor creases
And their jaunty Smokey Bear,
Semper Fidelis to you!
This nation knows you care.
First Marine Division Anniversary
They fought beneath the Southern Cross,
These men they call Marines.
Some were battle-hardened,
Most still in their teens.
From the Solomon Islands to Okinawa
And countless islands in between,
U.S. Marines of the First Division
Were always on the scene.
It was 1 Feb. 1941,
When the "first to fight" was born;
And only 10 months later,
Our nation would learn to mourn.
The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor;
There was no place for them to hide.
But at a place called Guadalcanal,
Marines would soon turn the tide.
The "first to fight" was ready
At this place they dubbed the 'Canal.
It should always be remembered;
Those who fought there surely shall!
Marines faced a bitter enemy
Until early September of 1945,
When the enemy finally surrendered,
And again, our freedom remained alive.
The "first to fight" was in Korea,
And then came Vietnam.
They vanquished another enemy
On the sands of Desert Storm.
And now 60 years later,
As we commemorate their anniversary,
The "first to fight" says Semper Fidelis
To all soldiers of the sea!
Flag Day
What do you feel when our flag goes by,
A spine tingling chill, a tear in the eye?
To me it means the freedom we all crave,
In this land of the free, home of the brave.
It is truly our symbol, the red, white and blue,
Yet some people may burn it, but very few.
We honor our symbol on this Flag Day;
Let us pause, reflect and, of course, pray.
Pray that our nation remains ever strong,
Maintains our vigilance, so nothing goes wrong.
We can always rely on a reliable source,
They are U.S. Marines: our 911 force!
If called to action on a foreign shore,
The red, white and blue will accompany the Corps.
We must always be a ready force from the sea,
If we are to protect and defend democracy.
So, let us always remember, the red, white and blue
Is the symbol of our freedom,
Obtained by those Marines we never knew.
It is true, some will still burn our flag,
And they will never be contrite.
They live in freedom, yet unearned,
They feel that it is their right.
Still, each time I hear "The Marines' Hymn,"
My heart is filled with pride,
And I'll say a silent "thank you" prayer,
For my country and for those Marines who died.
Semper Fidelis, these two words ring true.
U.S. Marines shall always be on guard
For the red, the white and blue!
The Crucible
For 11 weeks, we trained each day
And did our very best.
Yet, another challenge called the Crucible
Would be the one last test.
We all faced this defining moment
(As only recruits can do.)
Now, formed into cohesive units, success was measured
On just how we would follow through.
The obstacles, although many,
Were overcome by each and every one,
As teamwork brought us together,
And together we were as one!
Then came the time we all waited for
As morning colors rose,
We finally received the title Marine
And are now members of the Corps!
The 12th week is a time to share,
And, as Marines, reflect on what we have done.
We all came in as individuals;
Now, the Crucible has made us one!
Happy Birthday, Marines
I looked out my window,
And against a bright blue sky,
Saw the flag of our nation,
Softly waving on high.
We take for granted, so many things,
Like friends, homes, families
And children on swings.
Do we ever stop
To pray and give thanks,
For the countless Marines,
Who once filled our ranks?
If not for them, where would we be?
This home of the brave,
This land of the free.
And now 221 years later,
On this birthday of our Corps,
Our colors shine even brighter,
For there is peace, not war.
We're still prepared if need be
To defend our nation's goals,
Whatever will be our mission,
We'll master the rocks and shoals.
For those who wear
The Marine Corps green,
Our proud motto says it best.
Semper Fidelis--these two words
Have surmounted every test.
From our early Revolution, in 1775,
Marines have fought in every war
To keep this nation alive.
So wherever you are, let the word go out,
Be you on ship or shore,
To all Marines, Happy Birthday
And may God bless our beloved Corps!
Band of Brothers
It has often been said and written by others,
That U.S. Marines are a band of brothers.
Forged together, in peace or war,
Semper Fidelis, to country and Corps.
Combat ready; a force from the sea,
Prepared to keep this republic free.
History teaches mistakes from the past;
We must learn these lessons well.
Too many Marines have paid the price;
Their lives have been a sacrifice.
The price they paid for freedom
Has never been in vain.
This republic, in which we live today,
Has been won through their sacrifice and pain.
Is the "Cold War" really over?
Just look around the globe and see.
Remember, there is no substitute for readiness,
If this republic is to remain free.
When, and if, we're asked to fight,
As Marines we will do our best.
We ask, but just one thing...
For truly, it would be a sin,
And that would be hereafter
Limiting our ability to win.
Give us the tools with which to fight;
For as a band of brothers,
We are ready, both night and day.
Our one and only goal as Marines,
Is to protect the USA!
Forever Young
Memories are treasures; we keep them locked away,
Knowing that someday, we'll recall them back to play.
Forgotten faces, places and names;
Our memory retraces and eases the pains.
The pains of war now long past,
A memorial rises...remembered at last!
We care to remember our comrades who died,
So vital, so young, so filled with pride.
Pride in their country, pride in their Corps,
At last we remember, we can do no more!
Forever young they will remain,
It is those still living, who bear their pain.
And now the memories, once locked away,
For a few fleeting moments, are with us today.
This memorial is a tribute to all those who died,
And to those who remember, a day filled with pride.
Their names now inscribed in marbled stone,
They're not forgotten; they're not alone!
"Forgotten War" ... Now Remembered
Finally! The time has come,
For us to say farewell,
These past years have taken their toll,
as we gather here on sacred ground,
To pay honor and extoll.
You fought and gave your life.
That others may live free.
The Memorial before us,
Is a testament, you see.
This testament speaks volumes,
Of those who died for you and me.
A nation cannot thank you,
For the courage you did show,
But your comrades gathered here today,
Say softly, believe me; we surely know!
You will always be remembered,
In this nation's "Forgotten War",
As long as there are Americans,
Who believe in freedom, and sacrifice,
To keep enemies from our shore,
We shall always remember,
"That freedom is not free,
That the price you paid in Korea,
Was the cost of liberty.
So on this July day, in 1995,
We give thanks to you,
And your comrades,
That a free nation did survive.
Historians, and pundits,
May call it a "forgotten war",
But to you dear friend,
and to those who survived,
We give you honor as never before!
Those gathered here, families and friends,
Our hearts are filled with pride,
And now, four decades later,
We honor those who died,
The "Forgotten War" is now remembered,
and in this hallowed place,
We can close our eyes,
And in mind and heart,
Still see your youthful face,
Now rest in peace, the time has come,
Although granted, somewhat late,
those gathered here, to honor you,
Will never forget your fate.
Your deeds will be remembered,
By free men everywhere,
We now take this time to remember,
Because we really care!
The Empty Chair
This solemn day in November,
We gather here to share,
To honor and remember those,
Who sat in this empty chair.
Veterans Day is special,
A time to contemplate,
Why this chair is empty?
What was this Marine's fate?
He was at Valley Forge with Washington,
And in every war was seen.
This empty chair before us
Renders honor to a Marine.
He was a son or father,
A friend or uncle, perhaps,
But it really doesn't matter.
As a bugler now plays "Taps."
Thanks to them, we live in freedom.
They could truly do no more,
As they gave their lives,
For you and for me,
These members of our Corps.
We eternal band of brothers,
We soldiers of the sea,
Must maintain our heritage,
To keep our nation free.
Let us now stand together,
And with a toast, we pledge:
"From this day forth we honor
The sacrifice you bore,
We are proud to be here with you
As members of our Corps."
We see the chair is empty,
Yet, in our hearts serene,
Know it once was occupied,
By a United States Marine!
USMC
Uniforms they proudly wore
Sacrificed lives on a distant shore
Marine was the title they all earned.
Adept in their training; hardships spurned
Resourceful; prepared for any mission
Initiative in the Corps tradition
Navy carries us from ship to shore
Experienced warriors to fight a war.
Corps and courage go hand in hand.
Our force is the best from any land.
Respected for all the world to see
Proud Marines we will always be.
Semper Fidelis ... to you and to me!
Marine Graduation
Young men are training daily,
At a place called MCRD.
The mission of this elite group
Is to keep this nation free.
Their task will not be easy;
The training rough at best.
Mental and physical toughness
Will be included in the test.
For discipline breeds confidence,
These "boots" will all concede.
Soon now they will graduate,
And become the newest breed.
For 11 weeks they have endured,
And learned their lessons well.
Thanks to the drill instructor,
The stories they will tell.
You see, each week, times 44,
On this San Diego shore,
Once raw recruits are now transformed,
They are members of the Corps.
"The Marines' Hymn" is now over,
The final dismissal near,
All are waiting eagerly.
The word they want to hear.
You all have looked forward,
To this day, this time serene,
For each of you have earned the title
Of United States Marine!
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