Hello my name is Jennifer Kenyon and my husband Justin is a Marine. We had this photo taken with our son when he was only 2 weeks old. I really wanted to share it with you because it's just a great picture! I was hoping maybe you could share it with others by putting it in your newsletter or magazine. Thank you and have a great holiday!
Jen Kenyon
What an awesome picture! Semper Fidelis!
To be a Marine is a lifetime commitment. It can only be understood by a fellow Marine. I was “Old Corps”, 1965. SEMPER-FI Young Fellow. To Both You and Your Proud Marine Father.
One of the greatest photos I have seen. Keep it for your son…. later, in life, he will thank you. SEMPER FI
God and Corps bless this beautiful child.
I sometimes worry about the further of our great country, but when I see thing like this, I know America is still in good hands. Let’s all pray this child will know nothing but peace his whole life.
This is what being a Marine is all about! Holding on to and protecting our country and all of God’s children in it!
While I share the love for country and corps that this Marine has, I must also point to proper flag etiquette and submit that this is a violation, following reference from usflag.org: The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used. They are:
•The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
•The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
•The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard
•The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
•The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
•The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
Don’t think “cradling” a Marine’s baby in such a patriotic setting would violate my understanding of the Flag code, rather it honors our Flag and USMC. Semper Fi!
Brother Robert, all is true of what you’ve said, but what over shadows all of that, is the camera catching the outward condition of this families heart, and LOVE of our nation and flag, our beloved Corps and all who have gone before us, and the priceless blessing of their nrew Son, truly their gift from their God. I pray one day, that this picture and true meaning, will somehow touch your heart, as it has overwhelmed ours. We love you Brother…
I agree with the code but this is one of the most patriotic photos I have ever seen.
As a Marine and a patriotic American I can’t help but to embrace the obvious statement this great picture is making.Love of Country,Corps and Family jumps out at you,so why should it matter in the least that flag etiquette was not strictly observed in this wonderful,PATRIOTIC,photo? Semper Fi Marine and Marine Pup,and thank you Jennifer for sharing with us.
It’s hard to tell where the flag begins and his uniform ends as they both hold and protect the precious child. Those colors run deep! How awesome the love of the father. A timeless example of our heavenly father’s love for us, Semper Fi!
While Mr. Magee is correct, regarding U.S. Flag etiquette, the photo is just too precious to view it as anything but reverent to our flag, country, and corps. It would make super wall art with a caption underneath….something like, “Some gave. Some gave all. But all gave for a reason. May peace be his gift from us. Semper fidelis”
As an Old Corps Veteran (58-64) their isn’t One thing wrong with that Picture and I agree with Cpl. C.J. Post that that Photo is nothing but reverent to our Flag, God, Country and Corps. God Bless the Little One and if he follows his Dad he also will One day be One of us. SEMPER FI Little One and Dad.
Absolutely AWESOME
I believe that the Marine did not intend to disrespect the flag.In his eyes he was showing that his son was born in a great country and that he shall never have to worry about the freedom be taken from him.The Flag that cradles the child proves this and his father like others before him shall stand by her and never let the Flag fall.
On rare occasions, some rules are allowed to be broken – for the betterment of the majority. Mrs. Kenyon, this image is a remarkable major statement – of Country, Family, Faith and Espirit de Corps. Semper Fi !
Fantastic a proud Marine holding his son in the colors of our country Semper Fi USMC 53-63
I think it reflects a “true” patriot., who takes in his family, corps and country. When I served, there was always 10% that didn’t get the “word” or were “sea lawyers”. Most were in the brig.
A true reflection of a marine and his family Semper Fi
What an honorable way to show love for Country,Corps, and Child.Semper Fi!
HE IS A REAL MARINE DAD; GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY: SEMPER- FI
What a great expression to see right at Easter Time.. Honoring The Marine Corps, our great flag and nation, and mostly honoring our God, the giver, the protector and provider of all things. Yes the giver of New Life. The picture speaks volumes without saying a word. Thank you Jen, you’ve blessed all of us beyond measure. God bless you and yours, REAL GOOD … SEMPER FIDELIS
Our American Flag is not to be used to wrap anything or any person in no mater how young or how old it is made to fly Free.
If the Flag can cover a coffin of a deceased military personnel then the Flag can cradle a baby born to an active military personnel.
Semper Fidelis…God bless you and your family. I am very proud of the young warrior Marines such as this husband and father. The peace and security of America is in their hands and they are certainly proving their capability of accomplishing that mission.
This picture ranks right up there with some of the most timeless pictures of the corps. To m it is an expression of timeless honor, duty, and faithfulness. We per Fi, James Mallard S/Sgt ’70-’78
May God always bless you and this little Jarhead with the same peace and love that show so clearly in this picture. Stand unshame to show your love and devotion to your family, country, and the Corps. Welcome to our brotherhood my little friend. Thank you Marine Dad for sharing what Semper Fi means to you. Let us never forget all of those who are yet to come and all of those who have gone to their last duty station. This is why there will always be a Marine Corps.
awsome picture, blow it up poster size and display it proudly!
One of the most powerful photos I have ever seen…Semper Fi…
Wish I thought of that,kids are to big and the uniform doesn’t fit any more.God, Country,Corps,and Family got to love it Great photo Jennifer Semper Fi.
Thank you hero!
Only a MARINE could do this and have such a profound impact! Semper Fi brother!
Wow!!! Don Landauer USMC 1955-1959 Sgt. E4 (pre 1959 stripes) This is an inspiring presentation and I know your son will further the tradition! Thanks for doing this! We need the support of the entire nation in this time of stress! The Marines are a force of dedication and devotion to our country’s ideals! Let no potential or current enemy think they are going to be able to have a chance of defeating the Marines or any of our armed forces!!
What an AWESOME picture!!! That is something that future generations of their family will always revere. As to the flag etiquette…it is meant to serve as a guideline for anyone who would disrespect our colors. I can see no disrespect here, in fact I only see what all Marines see when they view this; Honor-Courage-Commitment, the change is for a lifetime. Semper Fi to all of my brother and sister Marines.
I would purchase this image,put it in a nice frame and proudly display it in a prominent place in my home.This is a great picture,and Mom Jennifer is to be commended for sharing with the rest of the world what it means to be a Marine,a Father,a Husband,a Marine Family.Thanks Jen.Semper Fi.