Bill Cuccinello's incredible story "Semper Fi" reminds me of an event that I must share.
Several years ago my ex-boss and mentor, retired WWII Marine Captain George Karam was hit hard by a stroke and lapsed into a coma. I ran into his two sisters while I was in town, I had not seen them or George in several years since I had moved out of the area where I had grown up and had held an after school job with George as my boss.
I followed the two sisters to the hospital and into his room. There were other family members already there. George hadn't responded to anyone or anything for days but was semi-conscious. After his two sisters greeted him at bedside they told him that he had another visitor and motioned me over. Without a moments hesitation he said, "Semper Fi Marine"! Wow, everyone jumped up and was proclaiming a miracle! Maybe it was but we Marines just call it being there for one another.
George and I talked for awhile until the meds made him sleepy. George survived for several years, a little more beat up but always a proud Marine.
Semper Fi
Cpl David Martinez
USMC 1967-1971