He extended his right hand.
Greeted me with “03”,
Though he knew I was another.
Strong grip he gave to me.

The doctor’s room was quiet,
As we two stood there.
A few moments of words shared,
By two men with gray hair.

He said “03” in honor.
Our last conversation was started.
We stood alone there talking,
In a few moments we parted.

I had wished him Happy Birthday,
For his service to the Corps.
Fleeting seconds passed.
Then he walked towards the door.

“Keep laughing”.
My last words to him.
“Either that or cry”.
His eyes had grown dim.

Two days later,
The birthday of the Corps.
The last his to see,
For colors he once wore.

Vietnam time,
Come and gone.
His heart held,
One more dawn.

A life owed his God,
His time had come to pay.
To St. Peter he reported.
He passed on Veteran’s Day.

The above poem was written is in honor of the birthday of the United States Marine Corps and a Marine who has passed.

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