My husband and I got to spend this past weekend in beautiful Quantico, Virginia, where our oldest son, Paul, graduated from Marine Officer Candidate School (OCS). And I gotta say ~ What a wonderful experience!Whether you are for or against our military involvements, liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, it'd take the worst kind of curmudgeon to miss the strength and goodness radiating from the Quantico parade deck Saturday morning. The young men and women in our armed forces represent a small sampling of what is right and good in our country and I have never been so pleased and proud as I was this weekend to meet these fine young people ~ every one of them strong, confident, cheerful, respectful, and 
willing to sacrifice for the good. If you don't believe it, check out what they had to endure to reach graduation day!
These men and women contradict every dire prediction about the future of our American youth. And it heartens me to know that for everyone of these 800-some fine young people there are scores at home, just as wonderful, who have not been called to military life. These are the children who don't make the headlines ~ except as one in a figure that is a graduating class ~ from military school, from college, from the seminary... On the homefront or on the front lines, behaving with honor and responsibility. They're out there, folks; have no fear.
There are a lot of things in this world to worry about; I won't even start a list, because you know what they are. But, our weekend in Quantico, Virginia has left me with one overwhelming impression: we have more in this country to be grateful for than to worry about.
Meet the 2008, Marine Officer Candidate School graduates, the largest graduating class in USMC history!
Congratulations, Paul!
We're so proud of you!
"Hoo Rah!"
Very proud of this fine young man and the other graduates at Quantico! God bless them all and keep them safe as they safeguard our freedoms!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Paul! I'm the proud wife of a Navy vet, but we spent 3 years with the "devil dogs" on MCAS Cherry Point, NC. 3 of the best years in our military career :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! You must all be so proud. Please thank him for serving our country. My parents both served proudly in the Army.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULAZIONI A PAUL!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou, your family, and especially your son Paul, have been in my prayers. I agree with you about the fine men and women in the military. We recently drove to Ft Knox Kentucky for my son Jason's graduation from basic training. What a group of fine young people. Although being the mother of four in the military is often stressful, I am proud to be the mother of these young men who serve our country without thought to their own desires and, often during deployment, without fear for their lives. Those who object should dwell for awhile on what they enjoy in this country which was obtained and protected by our United States Military.
ReplyDeleteLisa, thank you so much for sharing this day with us. And thank you for sharing yourself and your family with us all on your wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!