| A Change of Guard |  |
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In this small, warm city by the ocean, bright
We gather this November 10, balmy night
To honor all Marines, far and near
It is a birthday we celebrate each year
We've lived 232 years, I am told
Wait, no man could be that old
You are right, my wise and cherished friend
It is the U.S. Marines, to whom greetings we send
We look at those gathered at the ocean shore
I sense a difference from celebrations before
There has been a concern who would fill our ranks when we fall
In years to come, who will answer the call
Sprinkled amongst the crowd of faces lined with wars of the past
Are the new breed at each table, recognized by the youth they cast
Men and women who have served with honor in the struggles of today
In continents and lands far, far away
They have come home, for a short stint, soon to war they will return
'Ol Gunny was right. "Prepare well, Marine, no time to burn
Peace is but a fleeting moment between wars, so steel yourself for
the battle to come'
Return next year and celebrate with us, knowing this is the last
celebration for some
In spirit, we go with you where ever that may be
You are a member of the world's best fighting women and men, you see
We look forward to breaking bread again next year, safe and sound
No worries about who will fill the ranks, quality surrounds us, and
does abound
Lift your glasses to every man and woman who has been to 'Hell'
In all parts of this 'ol world, they have served their country well
The veterans of old embrace the new warriors with the warmth of
father and son
Come back to us safe and sound when this war is won
The celebration is drawing to a close for another year
We had time, though, to tell stories and, yes, shed a tear
We are aware that there are many in our ranks who will not be here
To witness the joy and happiness of again spending time with those
so dear
God has a special spot in his plans for you and I, he has told me so
When each of us are given the final test, clearly, you will know
Just look around you. Who stands guard at Heaven's gate
Why it's a Marine, dressed in blues and polished shoes, that is our
fate
Semper Fi, Marines, gathered here with good cheer, and memories that
run deep
Look around you, it's the image of those faces of your comrades you
will want to keep
A more powerful bond was never forged in the history of man,
everyone knows,
Than that relationship, Marine to Marine, and on that note, I will
close | By Murl D. Long
Copyright 2007
Listed November 19, 2007 |
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