Marine Corps Graduation are three simple words that the world associates with graduating from boot camp, despite the fact that there are so many more ceremonies the Marine Corps holds. The fact that Marine Corps Graduation is a term that holds recognition that instantly relates it to either recruit training at MCRD Parris Island and MCRD San Diego, is virtually universal. Entering Marine Corps Boot Camp, and then completing the program all the way through to completion at the Marine Corps graduation ceremony, is one event that no Marine ever forgets.
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All events that happen while in Marine Corps recruit training culminate at graduation day. The many hours of hard work, physical stamina and courage all are finalized in the new beginning that takes place on graduation day. Marine Corps Boot Camp graduation is the finest moment in the lives of those that are privileged in taking part of the ceremony. Many hours are spent training on the exact same field that hold the ceremony, where the Marine graduation takes place. From the early morning hours of training, to the prior weeks of watching other recruits march off to graduation, the parade deck or the grinder as it is called, is the one place in the world that every Marine remembers. The date and the hour and the platoon number are seared into the memory of the newly minted Marines that will be carried with them for the remainder of their lives.
Marine Corps graduation for recruits is a moment in time that holds emotions that are so mixed and filled with energy, that for a person that has not experienced the moment, it is impossible to understand. On one side of the memory is the realization that the most difficult challenge in life has been met, dealt with and conquered. On the other side of reality is that the world of dreams is soon to be on the doorstep of life. Soon the young Marine will be off to a new beginning to start the chapter in life that revels in being an adult and being free of the alleged bondage of childhood. While it is refreshing to be free of parental bondage, the fear of being away from the security of home is scary. From the moment of Marine Corps graduation, the reality of independence is only tempered by the realization that you are now a United States Marine.
Marine Corps graduation is a moment in time that will never be forgotten. Looking back on it even today, I remember that on 14 September 1979 at 09 Hours, I marched across the parade deck to the sound of the band with the rest of Platoon 1047. Although the names may be blurred and the sounds may have faded, the pride remains. No matter where a Marine Corps graduate goes, they understand that once you march across the parade ground on graduation day, you are a Marine forever. Once a Marine Always a Marine holds true, never to be undermined.
Semper Fi to all Marines, Past Present and Future!
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