Graduation Day

We had a light breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and were picked up by Ben's Grandparents. Since Ben's Grandfather is a retired Army officer, we were permitted to park aboard MCRD, close to the Parade Deck. Ben, Julie and I were scheduled to fly home to Dallas on Southwest Airlines, so we needed to get away from MCRD quickly after the graduation parade to catch a 2:15 p.m. flight to Albuquerque.

The San Diego Marine Band played for us. These are some great musicians. If you are going to be in San Diego for your son's graduation, please make the effort to hear them play. You will certainly enjoy it. And every time you hear the Marine's Hymn, you will take special pleasure, knowing they play it for your son.	[click on thumbnails to see full size images]
The Headquarters officers marched out and formed up on one side of the portico.
Then the Headquarters NCO's marched out and formed up on the opposite side of the portico. Does any service, ANYWHERE?, value, honor, and respect its NCO's as much as the Marines?
The Color Guard marched out.
Flags are traitorous things, subject to the whims of breezes. I hope they forgave the Color guard.
This is Sergeant Major Bruce A. Mackamul. He has been a Marine since I graduated from high school in 1973. When he marched out, everyone stood taller.
Colors, Sir! Make it so!

After colors there was time for us to walk over to the Food Court, have a great cup of coffee, make a head call, and then walk to the stands for the graduation parade. If you go to graduation at MCRD, please don't walk on the Parade Deck. Men like John Basilone marched across is surface. It is to be honored and respected. Please respect their memory and take the trouble to go around.

Oh. There's another reason you don't want to desecrate the parade deck. Him!	[click on thumbnails to see full size images]
This is a Marine Corps DI. See those two women running the other way as he runs back towards us? He just ran way over there and very politely asked them to get the H*** off his Parade Deck! You do NOT want to mess with him. We all applauded!
The San Diego Marine Band marched out to begin the graduation ceremonies.
The Eagle, Globe and Anchor, carved in stone.
The Flag of the Great State of Texas! Platoon 3003 was blessed with many sons of Texas. God keep them safe.
Platoon 3003 marched onto the Parade Deck. They had the honor of escorting the Colors.
Mike Company, ready for graduation. This is the opposite view of the perspective where we first saw Ben during the parade practice.
The Marine Band marched to the west end of the Parade Deck and heralded the arrival of the graduating Marines.
A corporal marched the Marine mascot onto the Parade Deck. Of course, we wondered why they have a mere English Bulldog, when the Marine War Dogs were brave and loyal Doberman Pinschers. We're thinking of sending the Commandant a couple of Dobes so he can gain perspective.
The headquarters contingent marched out. For those familiar with Canadian or English sword drill, please note that the NCO's carry swords. Also, note that no one (NO ONE!) steadies his scabbard. Do they ever trip?
Mike Company took the square.
Here comes Platoon 3003.
Headquarters marches out of the way.
Platoon 3003 marches past. OohRah!
Platoon 3003 returns to the line.
[Close-up of Ben]
Left Turn!
Parade Rest!
Staff Sergeant Dempsey. Ben's Senior DI.
Sgt. Higgs and Staff Sgt. Tellez. Ben respected Staff Sgt. Tellez very much.
The new DI.
Platoon 3003's guide returns the guidon.
The Mike Company guides.
Attention!
Diiiismissed! Aye aye, Sir!
Hey, Man! We did it!
Way to go, brother!
Way to be!
Mom! I did it!
Mike Company's gear, before the graduation parade.
Same place, after the parade. Pick Up Your Trash! Move! Move! Move!