Sgt. Grit,
I am wearing my 70th birthday gifts purchased from your catalog (Corpsman Cover and polo shirt). The picture is of me standing on the seawall overlooking Clearwater Bay in Clearwater, FL. The event was Veterans Day tribute 2012, held at Coachman Park along the bay and under the Oak trees. The weather was perfect, partly cloudy, a slight breeze with the gulf water lapping the seawall ever so gently.
The highlight of the event was the re-enactment of the "LAST PATROL". Memories of my many patrols came to mind as I watched the men silently, not a sound could be heard. The trees stood still no branches were moving, no leaves were falling.
The "Moving Wall" was on display just below a small hill with a fountain in the center of the pond spouting water from its jets ever so quietly. I walked the "Wall" alone, stopping occasionally turning to face the Wall. I recognized names from my company or fellow Corpsmen. I ran my fingers over the letters and said softly to myself my prayers with tears beginning to flow. I walked to the end, turned and saluted one final time.
Never to Forget.
"Semper Fi"
Frank Morelli
FMF "DOC"
'Nam '67 – '68