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USMC

Patriotic Video: America, I Love You

May 22, 2013 by info@3QuartersToday.com

This patriotic video might just make you forget the recent government scandals so prevalent right now. Although it seems patriotism and confidence in the United States is waning or lacking. I don’t think it’s true. Yes, if you listen to talk radio, or watch CNN or other news channels you might be depressed and discouraged. But I tell you, there are good people all across this country doing good things, helping out neighbors, serving in the military because they love where they live.

Keep Us Safe because Freedome is Not Free
Korean War Memorial: Washington DC on Memorial Day

When American citizens are left alone, without government intervention we help each other out and stand side by side during tragedies such as the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

In this week leading up to Memorial Day, I want to remind people the greatness of the American people outside the Washington Beltway. Memorial Day is not only a day to remember our veterans and those who died serving our country but to gather together as families worship and celebrate life, and remember those who have died and left an impact on our lives.

America I love YouMarine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA I’ve wanted to create a patriotic video that includes the many photographs I’ve taken over the years that have a military theme, or veterans theme, but didn’t have the appropriate music. This song “America, I Love You” was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician in Omaha, Nebraska. I first heard it last fall and fell in love with it and he graciously allowed me to use it for the video.

Veterans of all our wars deserve our thanks for making the sacrifice and serving their country. This includes not only the modern wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, Desert Shield, and Storm but the often forgotten Vietnam and Korean Veterans, along with those veterans from WWII and WWI.

It is the men and women of the Marine Corps, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and our National Guard that spend days away from family and friends, whether abroad or stationed in the United States, that serve to protect our freedom. We owe them our thanks for volunteering for a job many would never consider.The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

As you participate in Memorial Day celebrations, parades and picnics, stop by a cemetery and read the inscriptions on the War Memorials of soldiers from the French Indian War and even the Civil War. If you are lucky enough to live in New England search out the Revolutionary War cemeteries. Those soldiers truly fought for our freedom and Independence. They are the reason we celebrate the 4th of July.

If you recognize some of the photos it’s because they are some of my favorites from my Washington DC trip when my kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade and include the World War II Memorial, United States Marine Corps Memorial, Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and other images of freedom and sacrifice.

I was really quite surprised I had so many photographs of the American Flag and color guards taken at various parades. It never fails to give me a chill when the American Legion leads a parade with the flags and people stand to applaud, salute or put their hand over their heart.
My goal is to create a national sensation with this song. Patriotic pride needs to once again resonate through the land. So reblog this post, tweet it, post it to your Facebook page and PIN it on PINTEREST, let’s see how far this video and song can spread.

So post this for Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and all other patriotic holidays.

Thank you and God Bless.

Filed Under: Military Pride, Small Town Living Tagged With: America, celebration, flag Day, Holidays, Marine Corps War Memorial, memorial day, military, music, Nebraska, Omaha, patriotic, patriotic video, patriotism, politics, soldiers, United States, USMC, veterans, video, washington dc, YouTube

Terminal Lance: Dueling Knife Hands

January 21, 2013 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I rocked this past Christmas! Yup, got the perfect gifts for my Marines, “Terminal Lance” a comic for Marines, written by a United States Marine. It just so happened my Lance Corporal son opened his Knifehand comic before his brother, the Corporal. What ensued was quite the scene.

United States Marine opens Christmas gift
“This is Awesome”

As David opened his present a smirk came across his face. He immediately covered the title and began to tease and taunt his older Marine brother. “You won’t guess what I got, and you can’t have it! It’s awesome!” (said with great possessiveness and gloating)

Marine with Terminal Lance Knifehands

“You don’t get one. You’re no longer a Lance, so you’re no longer part of the underground” The taunting continues, remember these are men (did I just say that of my sons??) and they are quibbling like six year olds.

After about 30 minutes the Marine Corporal got to his copy of “Knife Hands, Terminal Lance” under the tree.

Marines square off with Knife-Hands
Marines square off with Knife-Hands

You can pretty much get the gist of the conversation just by the expression on his face. “I do so rank! I have my own copy of Terminal Lance, so there! HA!”

Terminal Lance is a mature comic written by Lance Corporal Maximilian Uriarte, USMC to poke fun at the various absurdities in the Marine Corps. Both my sons love this comic and my youngest had me send his the weekly editions during boot camp.

Terminal Lance
Terminal Lance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each comic is accompanied by an essay that explains the back story. If you’re a Marine Mom I caution, before you head to the Terminal Lance site, you may not want to read the essays. They may render you blind. But it’s Marine, adult, male humor, and not meant for Mom’s. I made this mistake last summer as I read one particular essay and immediately had a visual image of my youngest son I did NOT want in my brain.

I do read the website, and the Facebook page, because, in a way it’s how I understand my boys. I learn a little of the lingo, a little Marine culture, and thus feel as though I share a part of their lives.

MCRD San Diego at graduation and I’ve watched many YouTube videos with several drill instructors getting in a boot’s face with several knife-hands.

Terminal Lance Sample Comics

  • Boot Camp: The Swarm
  • Knife Hand Anger Gauge
  • The Might Knife Hand (additional blog)

Related Marine Corps Articles

  • Marines Engage In Reckless Behavior Due To Lack Of Safety Brief (duffelblog.com)
  • Just don’t call him Mad Dog (utsandiego.com)
  • Required Reading for Marines

Don’t forget to visit my CafePress Marine and Military store if you are looking for custom Marine Corps gifts. Just click on the image below and it will take you right there.

Purchase United States Marine and Military branded gifts for your son, daughter or family member in the Marine Corps at my 3QuarterToday CafePress Store.

Filed Under: Family, Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: christmas, comic, comics, Corporal, family, funny, Holiday, humorous, knife hands, Lance Corporal, marine, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, military, terminal lance, United States Marine, USMC

Season Of Christmas Continues, Day 3

December 27, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

This is the first year my youngest Marine son won’t be home for Christmas.

He’s  a U.S. Marine stationed in California, pulling 24-hour shifts so he can come home on the second block leave.

Christmas tree for my MarineA week before Christmas he called on the phone and reminded me that he wanted LOTS of food when he got home, especially my cookies, pretzels, and venison jerky. Little did he know a care package was on its way with everything included on his list.

Along with all his favorite treats was this tree, don’t know if he put it up (I hope so), but I wanted to send a piece of home his way. (His older brother, stationed in Arizona, also got a care package)

But it is my youngest Marine who got the special treatment this year. He is a corrections officer in the Brigand received the box during his 24 hr “sleep break”. He called and opened the box on the phone with me, which I love.

I got to hear the excitement in his voice as he pulled out the Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Christmas Peeps, Reeses Candy Canes, and deer jerky from the stocking. When he opened the cookie tin, he exclaimed: “Oh my God, this smells soooo good!!” Thank you, thank you!

I always send a Santa hat, to be worn when they open their presents and add a little frivolity and holiday spirit.

Does a Mom good to hear appreciation from her sons. Makes me want to send another box really soon. But, I don’t have to.

He’s coming home tomorrow night for a 10 day leave!

Filed Under: Christmas, Military Pride, Project 365 Tagged With: CARE Package, christmas, cooking, decorations, Holiday, Holidays, marine, Marine Corps, military, tradition, USMC

Happy Birthday US Marine Corps

November 10, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

To all United Marines Marines, past, present and future, have a very Happy Birthday

We owe you a debt for our freedom that can never be repaid, so we remember you on this day and always. So to all the Marines from 1775 to the present day, we thank you for your service to our country.

Happy Birthday Marine Corps, the official birthday of the USMC is November 10, 1775

How Marines Celebrate Their Birthday

Every active duty Marine recognizes the USMC birthday in some way, most have a Marine Corps Ball they attend near the end of October or the beginning of November.

Every Marine Corps base is recognized on November 10th with special guests, cakes and it is a tradition for each Marine to greet each other on this day with a Happy Birthday. No gift is required, just the gift of respect. (according to Maximilian Uriarte at Terminal Lance)

Veterans will have a drink, in where else, a bar or tavern since Tun Tavern is the birthplace of the Corps. I know my oldest son will be raising a glass to toast his Marine brothers somewhere tonight.

Many in the Marine Corps League will gather in bars all over the country and relive the camaraderie that makes the United States Marine Corps unique.

Many of them display an American flag at home along with their USMC EGA.

Black Background Official Seal - US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
Black Background Official Seal – US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
by usmarines

Marine Corps Birthday Challenge Coins

Challenge coins are a tradition in the Marine Corps. Often senior officers have a certain number of coins to award during a Marine Ball and they will press it into the palm of the hand. I know one of my sons has received a coin in this manner

Challenge coins recognize boot camp companies, tours of duty, and even Marine Moms. Below are just a few Marine Corps challenge coins

Since I am a Marine Mother I have begun an annual tradition of writing an official letter to the Marine Corps. I don’t think anyone of any importance reads them, but it’s my way of summarizing the year and my current sentiment.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.
A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.
2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
2016 Marine Mom letter on the USMC Birthd

To all Marines have a very Happy Birthday!!

Gold EGA- US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
Gold EGA- US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
by usmarines

 USMC Birthday Traditions & Celebrations

Learn more about the Marine Corps, Marine Corps traditions and history in these military books. History does repeat itself and the United States Marines will always serve at the ready to protect our country and our world.

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: celebration, freedom, graphic design, Iwo Jima, leathernecks, marines, marines birthday, memorial, military, patriotism, United States Marine Corps, USMC, usmc birthday, washington dc

A Letter From a Marine Mom to the United States Marines

November 9, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

November 10th, 2012 is the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. So as a Marine Mom with two sons in the Marines I say “Happy Birthday United States Marine Corp and may you continue to turn out men of character, honor, dedication and bravery.”

Proud Mom of two US Marines

CafePress USMC Coin Greeting Cards - 4x5.6 Multi-color MatteCafePress USMC Coin Greeting Cards – 4×5.6 Multi-color MatteCafePress - (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps - Greeting Card GlossyCafePress – (Single)Happy Birthday Marine Corps – Greeting Card GlossyMarine Corps 2008 Birthday CoinMarine Corps 2008 Birthday Coin1/2 Sheet U.S. Marine Corps Edible Image® Cake Topper1/2 Sheet U.S. Marine Corps Edible Image® Cake Topper

If I could send a letter to the Marine Corps on their birthday this is what I would send.

A Letter From a Marine Mom

“Dear United States Marine Corps,

I give you my sons, knowing they will be Marines for life, as becoming Marines is not a part time endeavor but a pride and family bond that carries through to civilian life. So in essence I am also welcoming the Marine Corps into my family. 

I have seen the result of your training, how you have built them up not just physically  but mentally, and with a sense of honor and commitment. It is the goal of the Corps to  strengthen their character, instill a sense of pride of country and service to others.  The training and discipline instilled into these young men and women is beyond any other branch of the military. The sense of pride in being a Marine is evident.

I place my trust in their commanders, sergeants, and their fellow Marines to make wise decisions and to act promptly in times of adversity. May they always  take the title US Marine seriously and not disgrace themselves, their company, or their country., always remembering that the person beside them has a Mother at home with a prayer and love in her heart for her Marine.

God please protect them in harms way, watch over them, guide them, and lead now and forever.

With Love, 

A Marine Mom”

Every year I try and write a letter to the USMC, below are two of them, I don’t know if anyone in the Marine Corps ever sees them, but it’s nice to know other Marine families do and appreciate the thought. I hope to always speak the truth, relay hope, and express my pride and thankfulness in our military.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps

Related Marine Corps Articles

  • Marine Corps marks 237th birthday at Camp Lejeune (myfox8.com)
  • The Pointy End of the United States Marine Corps (nationalreview.com)
  • Running 237 miles for fallen Marines: “the least I can do” (dvidshub.net)
  • Marine Corps Ball, for the kids (mysouthwestga.com)
  • Required Reading for Marines

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: boot camp, God, marine, Marine Mom, military, Military uniform, Mother, United States, United States Marine, us marine, USMC

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