Sitting in a sea of parents at the Marine Corps graduating ceremonies, I was completely at a loss for words. These moms and dads, brothers and sisters, girlfriends, brothers and cousins had all come to support one of the 451 graduates that day. But what they were really doing, was putting their son, their brother, their loved one in front of me.
That boy of theirs out on the tarmac was willing to take a bullet for me. For my children. To serve tirelessly and work endlessly protecting my family from the front lines of harm. Marines are all combatants— which means that any Marine can be called to the front lines to fight, any Marine can be called into battle. And here these parents and loved ones were, saying, in effect,
“Here America…we give you our best. The ones we love most. The children we hold dearest. That you may live in peace and safety we knowingly risk our loved ones…”
And that, my dear friends, is a most humbling place to sit.
As we sang the Star Spangled Banner, “The Land of the free, and the home of the brave,” were more than just lyrics in their midst. These fine young people, all 451 of them, had entered this base 12 short weeks ago willing, and now their training had made them able.
I whispered to my children that not all of them will return home at the end of their time of service.
Some may come home injured.
Some may come home injured in their hearts and minds in ways that only war can do.
But the truth of the matter is that some of them will give the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom– their very life. And with that, my children realized the gravity and the somber reality of the choice these young men and women had made to serve.
“For Corps and Country…” the Marine announced over the loudspeaker. “Today, this event is all about you Marines…but from here on out, your life is about serving and protecting those in the stands…and the people of this great country…”
And as he released the men and women from formation, a great big “OO-Rah!” went up and the families rushed the tarmac. An ocean of embraces and kisses and handshakes and “atta-boys” had all of us in tears. We didn’t know any of those boys personally, but any one of them could have been my son. They were all America’s sons and daughters. They were all our children, now adults standing tall in their perfectly pressed uniforms, and standing ready to serve.
By the end of the day we had made acquaintances with five of the boys and had congratulated many more.
My hope in sharing this story with you is that you realize the price many in your midst are willing to pay for your freedom. I pray your eyes will be opened to the incredible opportunities this country provides us with at the cost of such sacrifice and the service of so many others. Thank your veterans. Pray with a soldier you see in the airport. Write letters to the troops or visit a base and find a way to show your gratitude.
I realize that not everyone can just pick up and drive to a base, but you CAN do something. So do it. Show your gratitude. Find a way. And in return you’ll discover it is you who are blessed and you’ll see all the possibility in the future of this great nation in places like that base. You’ll be inspired in your parenting to raise the kind of children that will make those armed servicemen and women’s sacrifices worth it.
To read about our trip, click here: Why We Drove All Night For Men We Didn’t Know
Michelle says
…..beautiful.
Rachel says
God bless them!
Amy Simmons says
Thank You! My son is about to be one of those men.
Lyette Reback says
Amy, congratulations! If you remember, ask your son to friend us on Facebook! We would love to follow his journey as he goes on to serve! Great job mama raising a young man willing to serve the greatest nation on earth.
Jeanette Davis says
My son will be graduating in April. Our National Anthem means so much more to me now that my son will be serving our country as a Marine! Thanks for the post and your support.
Lyette Reback says
Would be honored to know his name and to pray for your son Janette…Maybe we’ll be there for his graduation too! Please let me know when it is! Would love to meet him!
Tracie Ross says
My son will also be graduating in April from Parris Island! The American flag looks different to me!!! I loved it before but now I see my sons face in it!!!! Can’t wait till I can see him and talk to him!!!
Lyette Reback says
Congratulations MAMA! That is awesome. If you will go to my post from yesterday, titled “A Call to Action” and drop a quick letter to my Gold Star moms coming over this week, and upload a photo of you and your son, I know it will mean a ton to these mothers. I am so very happy for you! And once you send me that picture, then I too can see your sons face in the flag. Beautiful boys…every one of them.
Marni says
Thank you. Very beautiful and 100% truthful. My daughter graduated in July and is ready for the challenges. In the past two days I’ve had people say to me, because she’s in student status, I bet you’re glad she’s safe. Yes, I’m very glad, but there will be a time when she won’t be but I know this is her choice and without men and women like her, we wouldn’t be the Land of the Free. I am not only proud of her but I’m proud of every single man and woman who have, are or will be, serving in the US military. What they give their country, every moment of every day, in their career tops everything the rest of us are doing a thousand fold. God bless them all!
Lyette Reback says
God bless and protect them and bless you precious mama who raised such amazing young woman to stand in our stead and protect us! Great job Marni!
Valorie Helander says
I love my son more than I will ever be able to say. The young men and women who serve with my son are the finest of human beings. I am so proud to be my son’s mother.
Lyette Reback says
AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD. Valorie, God bless him! And you! Thanks for reading and I hope you were encouraged!
Christine Hall says
Thank you so much for writing this! I have my son and my daughter both in the Marine Corps. Seeing this gladden my heart to know that there are people that do support out military and not shy about it. THANK YOU!
Lyette Reback says
Christine, THANK YOU for raising the type of children willing to serve! God bless them both and I will keep them in my prayers!
Dorinda says
And then their are the only childs who join. Mine is one of them. I would only ask of each American to be kind to one another throughout your day. Make peace with someone to repay what our boys and girls are giving you.
Lyette Reback says
Great advice Dorinda! Will do! Thank you!
Dorinda says
Thank you. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
SGI-USA.org
Laura Bozickovich says
Thank You for caring and for sharing. My son graduated August 2013 and I am so very proud of him and all his brothers and sisters. It surely brings a smile to my face when non military people and families appreciate the sacrifice these young men and women have willingly chosen to do. Thank You again for “getting it”.
Barbara says
Proudest most humbling day to see my strong young son a Marine. Prouder still to watch my mother cry with pride for her oldest grandson. Prouder still to watch the pride and respect in the eys of his uncles, grandfather, father, and stepfather. Our whole family sharing the knowledge that we had all helped to shape him into a man ready to serve others.
Lyette Reback says
Barbara, I can only imagine. May god bless and protect your Marine. Thank you for a family who loves this country enough to send your very best. Much love and many prayers! xoxoxo
Carme says
Lyette,
Thank you for caring enough to write about your experience. My son graduated from PI just before Thanksgiving 2008. I cried with pride and fear knowing he had become a man in 13 short weeks and could now go anywhere in the world to fight people who don’t like us very much! He will be leaving the Corps soon. He is ready to get out but I am sure he will miss his brothers in arms more than he knows. Thank you for getting it. I am a Very Proud Marine Mom!
Lyette Reback says
Thank you for raising such a fine young man! I am grateful for his service and thankful for his protection! God bless and I am sure that the skills he has learned in the corps will transfer into another wonderful career! Semper Fi!
Kaye says
My son graduated from MCRD SanDiego just 9 days ago and heads back for more training tomorrow. We are proud of his determination to serve our Nation. Scared? A little. But glad that he loves our Country and its people enough to want to defend them. Thank you for noticing the sacrifice of these young patriots and for teaching your children to appreciate that sacrifice.
Lyette Reback says
So glad you raised up a young man who loves this great nation. What an honor you have as a mother!
Barbara Copeland says
My hero just graduated from the Marines on the 30th of Jan. I put him back on a plane in the morning for school of infranty not knowing when I will see him again. He is living the dream hes had since he was a little boy. I’m of course worried. But, he told me they are in Gods hands and will be just fine. I love that boy and all of the men and women who have served and will served.
Lyette Reback says
Did he graduate from Parris Island? I wonder if we passed each other mama! I know you love your boy…and I love him too {hug}…thank you for raising a fine son to serve and protect our country!
Pam Baumiller says
I am reading this as I am watching my son practice for his graduation from Military Combat Training. He graduated from Parris Island on December 19th, 2014, which is also the day he turned 19. He is my youngest and only son. All he has ever wanted to do was to be a Marine and now he is living that dream. Thank you for kind words. They say being a Marine is a choice, but being a Marine Mom is a privilege. It most certainly is!!! Semper Fidelis!
Lyette Reback says
You are living out the end result of all that hard work as a mom…teaching your son the valiance of service and watching him reach for that dream! Good job mom! I salute you!
Melissa Kiser says
Thank you for your kind words. My son is a Marine serving overseas. I will never forget the day we sat and watched him walk out onto that tarmac with his many Marine brothers. The pride I felt was unbelievable and at the same time the terror I felt as a mother was almost unbearable. Thank you for recognizing our service men and women and all they do for us. My wish is that more people will begin to understand the sacrifice they and their families make for our freedom.
Lyette Reback says
The gift of service by your son and all who serve with him is not lost on this family…and I have made it my goal to teach other families to recognize the same. Thank you for training up a man of valor…I make it my goal to raise my five boys to honor that gift by their lives in service as well. God bless!
Janice C says
Loved your article. My son graduated as a Marine Jan. 8, 2010 and served on two deployments. Graduation day is one of the proudest days a parent can imagine. I could not have imagined all the emotions that being a Marine Mom would bring. But the military, our flag and our country always have been close to my heart and they are now closer than ever. Thank you for this article!
Eddie Camacho says
We serve because it is a calling deep within us; because we feel prepared and ready for the challenge. It is a sense of oneself to protect and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure that all is well in our homes. If we do not do it, others less willing will be forced. That will not do for me and my family’s peace of mind.
We have served willingly for many years before (16 on my end) and will continue to serve for many years to come. ALL branches of service sacrifice and ALL families feel the heartache and pain too. Rest easy tonight, our country is protected by the finest men and women it has to offer.
Eddie Camacho says
Saw that you did the Disney Half Marathon too! My cousin is there doing the Half Marathon as well with his wife and daughter. Bringing Awareness to Rett Syndrome. “TEAM LUZ!!!” Princess Run. We ran the X-tra one mile in Vicenza, Italy in conjunction to this run.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1526348430964742/?pnref=story
Eugene Harpole says
Please lord watch over our children
Lyette Reback says
Amen! That’s His job!
Vickie Evans-Spates says
Thank you! This touched me in ways you cannot imagine. Sometimes, it seems as if our civilian counterparts don’t get it. You so obviously do. My daughter graduated from Parris Island Oct 24, 2014, and MCT on Dec 3. She is about to graduate from her MOS on April 3 and move on to her PDS in Japan. She is third generation military. My dad served Navy and retired after 30 years. My husband and I are both retired Navy. My daughter’s twin brother has chosen to study to be a Minister. My Asperger son wants nothing more than to be in the military and is trying very hard to get the needed waivers. I am on the base here in Pensacola every day, delivering packages, birthday cakes, and hugs for our Marines and Sailors and volunteer at the USO. I am blessed to be able to do this and I do see all the possibility in the future of this great nation on this base.. I am inspired in the parenting to raise the kind of children that will make those armed servicemen and women’s sacrifices worth it. And if I can be of small comfort during this emotional roller coaster of a journey for one of those parents by giving a hug or checking on their Marine or bringing them some mail, it is all worth it and more.
Lyette Reback says
SO glad you are there in Pensacola giving and loving on those whose families are not there! I would love to be a part of the USO! You and I sound like we were cut from the same cloth!
CASSIE says
This is beautiful. I am a sister to one of those Marines and I am glad I was able to attend his graduation. This had me in tears because this is beautifully written and so very true!! I pray every day that my brother does not have to go to war, but he has told us before that if he has to he will be honored to lay down his life for his country. Thank you for sharing this and I truly believe everyone should experience graduation if they are able to. It is truly a humbling experience.
Lyette Reback says
Praying for your brother! Thank you so much for your comment and your family that has one of it’s precious members serving! much much love!