The Parris Island Marine Corps Band started the day. WOW!! The music was stirring, but the performance was fantastic. The super crisp movements and the military bearing, it was just so cool to be there. 
The color guard for the flag ceremony was impressive. The female marine in the back came forward after they started getting the flag hooked to the line and rang the bell a number of times. I counted then, but I've forgotten the number now. I don't know the significance of ringing the bell but all the ritual stuff was just great. 
Brings a tear to my eye just looking at the photos. How blessed we are to live in such a chosen land. 
The recruits had been up since 4:00 am, as usual. They were all looking pretty spiffy in their "Dress Charlies" with the super shiny shoes. Saluting the flag as the band is playing our national anthem. 
I loved the band. During the graduation ceremony they changed the rhythm of their marching and started playing a new song. It took a minute for my mind to make the lyrics click and then I just got plumb tickled. The song they were playing was "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning." Added a little bit of fun to the day. 
There was a little speech honoring the top recruit from each platoon and then they were all pronounced MARINES!! A little like a high school graduation without the hat tossing. 
We are so proud of her. It was certainly not an easy thing to do and she was able to finish it in the allotted 13 weeks. So many of her unit were sent back in training for one reason or another. The morning of graduation several women got in fist fights in the squad bay and were not allowed to be part of the ceremony. How disappointing for the families that traveled so far to witness this joyous day. 
Out of order, but this is the platoon marching in. Erin is middle row, 2nd in. Don't you just love the precision. 
Our marine. She's wearing her sharp shooter medal and her Private ribbon (or whatever the official word is. I've got a lot to learn.)
The sign says it all.
She wore this uniform on the flight home. While we were waiting for our plan in the Savannah airport the Delta employee at our gate called our attention to several military personnel returning. We all stood and cheered for them. Then when our flight was called we stood and got ready to get in line. The lady looked over and saw Erin and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a military person flying with us today. Let's give her a round of applause." Clark and I were bawling. She was a little uncomfortable with the attention -- but I'm sure she was thrilled. I know I was.
The color guard for the flag ceremony was impressive. The female marine in the back came forward after they started getting the flag hooked to the line and rang the bell a number of times. I counted then, but I've forgotten the number now. I don't know the significance of ringing the bell but all the ritual stuff was just great. 
Brings a tear to my eye just looking at the photos. How blessed we are to live in such a chosen land. 
The recruits had been up since 4:00 am, as usual. They were all looking pretty spiffy in their "Dress Charlies" with the super shiny shoes. Saluting the flag as the band is playing our national anthem. 
I loved the band. During the graduation ceremony they changed the rhythm of their marching and started playing a new song. It took a minute for my mind to make the lyrics click and then I just got plumb tickled. The song they were playing was "Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning." Added a little bit of fun to the day. 
There was a little speech honoring the top recruit from each platoon and then they were all pronounced MARINES!! A little like a high school graduation without the hat tossing. 
We are so proud of her. It was certainly not an easy thing to do and she was able to finish it in the allotted 13 weeks. So many of her unit were sent back in training for one reason or another. The morning of graduation several women got in fist fights in the squad bay and were not allowed to be part of the ceremony. How disappointing for the families that traveled so far to witness this joyous day. 
Out of order, but this is the platoon marching in. Erin is middle row, 2nd in. Don't you just love the precision. 
Our marine. She's wearing her sharp shooter medal and her Private ribbon (or whatever the official word is. I've got a lot to learn.)
The sign says it all.
She wore this uniform on the flight home. While we were waiting for our plan in the Savannah airport the Delta employee at our gate called our attention to several military personnel returning. We all stood and cheered for them. Then when our flight was called we stood and got ready to get in line. The lady looked over and saw Erin and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a military person flying with us today. Let's give her a round of applause." Clark and I were bawling. She was a little uncomfortable with the attention -- but I'm sure she was thrilled. I know I was. 
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