Thank you, once agagin, Semo_MCDad from MarineParents.com
for allowing us to use this wonderful rendition of a Marine truth!

I would like to tell all of you about a fine example of what 'once a marine, always a marine' really means. I write to tell you of an extraordinary Marine who in his eighties continues to uphold the highest standards of conduct and decency becoming a United States Marine. I will not use his name as much as I would love to because I don't want to compromise his privacy or the site's well thought out rules.

Norman served our nation as a member of the Third Marine Air Wing during WWII and was present during the historic Marines Island Hopping Campaign including Guam and Iwo Jima. He honors those who served with him. More than sixty years after the start of WWII this wonderful man tears up as he recalls the courage and sacrifice of his brother Marines on the ground and in the air during that terrible time. Norm is revered by all who know him not only because of his service to our great nation, but his standing as a man who is willing to answer her call even today. Norman is serving as an unofficial Godfather to my own son, who left us on 13 December to enter the Marine Corps. Adam has been so moved by Norm's loyalty to the Corps and to him. I hope and plan to bring this man with me to San Diego to share in the Graduation with us. (Note: As far as I know ... Norman did go to see his godson graduate from MCRD.)

The old Marine recently bought himself a nice leather jacket and the first thing he did was send it to a shop to have his Third Marine Air Wing patch sewn on. That's pride ladies and gentlemen. Norman continues to this day to care for the grave of Sgt. Darrell S. Cole USMC. A native of our area, Sgt. Cole received the Medal of Honor (posthumously) for his gallantry on Iwo Jima. Our local children are told his story that they might never forget him or the cost of freedom.

Norman has never, in the more than 60 years since his service began, forgotten his beloved Marine Corps for a moment. I would like him to know the Corps has remembered as well, and the parents of today's Marines are grateful. Should any Marine read this, it would thrill the old gentleman to know he is not forgotten by his comrades. I know my son, one of the newest Marine recruits, will always honor him. As I do. I thank Norman for the example he has set for my son. He has shown Adam how rich and full a life can be for someone who lives his life by the values the Marine Corps instills in a man. The heroes of my youth have faded into childhood memories, but my heart is glad to recognize one of America's real heroes.