Farewell Marine

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Click here to see this amazing flash video - Farewell Marine.

Tribute: Farewell Marine

The combat boots are empty
and finally they're still,
They're set carefully at attention,
they've marched up their last hill.

The rifle, too, is silent now
and unwaveringly erected,
Holding up the well-worn helmet
of the Marine it once protected.

One by one his comrades
somberly draw near,
Each raising one last salute
unashamed to shed a tear;

A time-honored tribute,
dating back to days of old,
As a reverent memorial
a stirring image to behold.

It bears witness to the bond
of a brotherhood of men,
The kind who only come along
every now and then.

These men who pass will carry on,
they've a mission to complete,
For our Country they will fiercely fight,
our enemies they'll defeat.

But in his heart after this,
no Marine will be the same,
A hero is now known to him,
and bears his buddy's name.

Wherever duty takes him,
whatever battles he may fight,
Never will he forget the friend
who gave his life for what is right.

Finally, the bugle sounds
Taps is softly played,
Time to say farewell, and say
a prayer for the sacrifices made.

This day the names of those who died
will be added to the List,
They will forever be remembered,
and will undeniably be missed.

Next time you see a proud Marine
in that uniform he wears,
Know his heart is strong and true
please keep him in your prayers.

He lives by a vow to protect and defend
no matter what the cost,
But to every Marine, it carries a name...
his buddy who was lost.

WARNING - Copyrighted material!
Please include proper credit if you choose to pass along this poem.
Farewell Marine ŠSandra Lee (James) Gilcher - Yellow Ribbon Greetings
This video tribute is the collaboration of Julie (Sharp) Worden from Yellow Ribbon Greetings and Washington State Marine Moms, and author of the poem and Marine Mom, Sandra Gilcher. Sandra has a unique understanding of bonds formed in the Corps. Julie has captured with photos, the sense of tribute and honor given to fallen Marines.

The video is dedicated to the heroes from Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, 26 Marines and one Sailor, we lost in a helicopter crash near Ar Rutbah, Iraq on January 26, 2005, and in honor of those Marines who will carry on.

Farwell Marine was written by Sandra Lee (James) Gilcher who resides in Yakima, Washington. Sandra is a Proud Mother of a United States Marine.

Julie (Sharp) Worden produced this amazing and touching video. Julie has designed and printed the holiday cards that we have on our USMC Devil Dog website over the past three years. Julie is a Proud Mother of a United States Marine.

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