GRADUATION DAY

by Anthony Rogers  

I can’t wait for my graduation day from Marine Boot Camp.  It was January 5th 2007, the day of my brother’s graduation. This was no ordinary graduation; it was a military graduation from USMC boot camp.

Marines, tough and proud, marched in unison on the drill deck.  These men had my respect for completing this enduring training for three consecutive months. As Marines and civilians alike enjoyed the fresh California weather, the graduates walked out.  Recruits were ready to go home to be with their families.  Their parents were happy to be able to bring their loved ones home.

Being so close to the ocean, the breeze felt chilly, and I tasted the fresh salt air even as I chewed my gum. The company commanding officer Captain Rosales introduced the battalion commanding officer Lt, Colonel Peters. He spoke to the crowd for a brief moment, and then he told the senior drill instructors of each platoon to take charge of their platoons.

The SDI echoed in unison, “Aye, Aye sir!”
           
Birds chirping, the wind blowing, we watched as the drill instructors, tall and stout, turned to their platoons calling out in unison, “fall out Marines!” 

The new five hundred and seventy six Marines echoed in unison, “Aye, aye, Sir! OOORRAH!”