Birds chirping, the sun shining down.
Trees barren of leaves, but moss flutters in ocean swept winds.
Water drips slowly off of brick buldings.
The sound of boots hitting the pavement and Drill Intructors yelling permeates the air.
This is Parris Island, South Carolina of the United States of America.
The date: February 23, 2018, a Friday.
Friday: Graduation.
A time of celebration for the new Marines who will graduate today.
Tears will travel proudly down the many faces of their families who watch as they march across the main parade deck like so many others before them.
Others, who now watch from worlds beyond as the young carry on the legacy of the Corps.
All decked out in Dress Blue Alphas,
they stand tall, not as men and women,
but as United States Marines who have duly earned their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
Who have faced the challenges of recruit training.
Who have triumphed over the Crucible.
Who will face the hardships of deployment,
Where some will have to make the ultimate decision.
Where some might never return home safe and sound.
Who will be haunted by memories of war for the rest of their lives.
Who will be given ribbons and medals only to wish for their brothers and sisters to be alive and well.
They know this.
They chose this.
They stood tall with their heads held high as they received their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and swore to protect and defend like so many before them.
These men and women, no,
These Marines will forever walk with heads held high because they know that in the end, nothing shall ever change their minds on serving God and country.
Because no matter what happens,
No matter where they go,
they are and always will be:
United States Marines