The old marines landed at San Diego on Sept 17th,18th and 19th for a 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines reunion. It started on thursday night with a get together and reaquaintance period for those of us that hadn't seen each other in 40 plus years. Most of the vets were from the Viet Nam era, with two old timers from Korea. Friday was a special treat, a large group of us boarded a bus and went to MCRD for the recruit graduation. What an impressive sight to see 566 recruits become new marines. Oh did they stand tall and have very wide smiles when the ceremony was over. I was able to chat with a few of them about their feelings of being marines. Everyone of them couldn't quit grinning and expressing a gratitude that boot camp was over. All of the command staff present, Lt. Colonel, Sgt Major down were in fantastic shape and left a positive impression that the Corp is in better shape than when we were in. We were honored to have Cpl. Steiner for our guide around the base. Ladies and gentlemen our corp is still in very good hands and will continue to do so with the fine young men and women enlisting today. We were even allowed PX and store privileges, yes, it cost us all a lot of money. I noticed some very large bags being carried out of the store with various goodies, shirts and jackets seemed the most popular. After 6 hours we went back to the hotel with lighter wallets. The memories will stay forever and my wife even commented on what a great experience it was to see these young men in all their glory, marching tall and proud on the old parade deck. read more