by Andy Weddington
Sunday, 11 November 2012
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." George Orwell
For today, a salute to America's veterans.
The following sketches - each hastily drawn in a few minutes or so - I did while on special assignment aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, more than 16 years ago.
Ten years prior I was the commanding officer of 'D' Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion of the regiment. That assignment culminated three years in the battalion and that familiarity with the depot and recruit training was invaluable to the sketching.
Though the sketches reflect the Marine recruit training approach, some images are germane to all who've experienced entry-level training.
So to all who've selflessly served our dear country - and that service, for all, begins as a recruit or officer candidate - Bravo!
Receiving - stripping identity
The position of attention
DI and recruit - face-to-face
On Guard - close combat / bayonet training
Marksmanship training - one shot / one kill
Nuclear Biological Chemical training
Basic field training - laying a claymore mine
Senior DI and recruit - prep for battalion CO inspection
Battalion commander inspection complete - parade rest
Marine!
Post Script
It was a great day! I posted Birthday commentary http://acoloneloftruth.blogspot.com/2012/11/no-one-joins-u-s-marine-corps.html and thanks to a Twitter retweet (RT) by conservative journalist Michelle Malkin www.michellemalkin.com it went a bit viral - thereby introducing this forum to a new audience. Thanks, Michelle.
Anyway, yesterday morning I made a trip to the post office to mail a package to a longtime Marine friend (who does not know it's coming) - we served together in 2/6 (2nd Battalion/6th Marines) as part of the 2nd Marine Division and again at Parris Island.
At the counter I warmly greeted the clerk, asked how she was doing, and told her there was rumor going around free postage was being granted to Marines today. She paused, looked at me, smiled, and said, "Sir, that's tomorrow." I laughed and replied, "Figures, there's always one Marine who does not get the word." And as we finished our business, she smiled and said, "Happy Birthday!"
My next stop was the grocery store. At the express checkout I told the woman about the free postage rumor and my exchange with the clerk. She looked puzzled and asked, "But isn't the post office closed on Sunday?" I smiled and said, "Exactly." She did not respond. Then while bagging my items she burst into laughter and said, "Now that's funny. You made my day." And smiling, bid me farewell. Want to bet she retold that story?!
Author's endnote
The sketches are among a hundred or so, complemented with word sketches, capturing Marine Corps recruit training in 'MAKING MARINES' - http://www.weddingtonartgallery.com/Books.html
'MAKING MARINES' is a limited edition book. If interested, and before online purchase, please contact me acoloneloftruth@gmail.com for availability. Thank you.
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1 comment:
I spent today at the Vietnam Memorial (The Wall) for a 30th Anniversary ceremony. Thousands of Vietnam-era veterans, from across our country, gathered to honor the memory of more than 58,200 who made the ultimate sacrifice. The day was sunny, not a cloud in the sky, with an uncharacteristic temperature of 68. It was a glorious day, a moving ceremony, and a fitting tribute to those who returned many years ago to a country which scorned them. Welcome home, brothers, welcome home!
Tom H.
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