Marine Corps League Auxiliary - Department of Illinois

Department of Illinois
Marine Corps League Auxiliary

~Poems & Inspiration~ Rose

The Marine Corps Hymn has played
The sun is rising high
It was her first parade since
becoming his new bride.

This life is all so different
So much she needs to know
What's eagle, globe and anchor?
Some symbol, just for show?

New orders and new places
She is so much alone
For he must go on training
While she must make a home.

Children born at a new base
While Dad is gone away
He gets a Red Cross message
"You had a child today."

The years have gone by swiftly
And now she knows at last
Of eagle, globe and anchor
That question from her past.

The eagle, globe and anchor
worn proudly by their men
Might also be the symbol
Of those who married them.

The eagle soars to heights unknown
Undaunted by the stings
Of stormy blasts, and dark of night
The wind beneath his wings.

The globe denotes the distant port
His duty beckons them
She packs again her treasures
And follows close to him.

The anchor keeps home stable
Though rough the waves may be
She bravely faces tempests
In unfamiliar seas.

The Marine Corps Hymn has played
The sun is sinking low
He stands on the parade field
Aware that he must go.

She holds a dozen roses
Her eyes are misting now
She knows what he is feeling
And wants to help somehow.

Yes, he has won the medals
And all the accolades
But she has loved the man
And cheered through his parades.

This was the final triumph
He knows that it must end
He turns and gazes back to
His soulmate and his friend.
Author Unknown
Roses

The Marines' Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me the wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Marine Wife's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Now the evening shadows gather, the lonely night is here.
This day which has been so empty is almost gone.
Oh Dear God, be with my husband who is so far from home.
Help him when the thoughts of his loved ones bring the awful heartache on.
Lord, let him know that with Your ever-lasting love,
You are right beside him With Your loving mercy from above.
Help him with his heartache, with the closeness of a friend, a smile of understanding.
It will lift the burden from his heart.
Let him also be a blessing to one who needs him.
Let him feel the prayers of his loved ones whose thoughts are always with him.
And, Dear God, when the tide has turned against him,
His whole world seems upside down,
Let him see things more clearly.
Show him how to love Thee more dearly.
Let his faith in Thee stay unbroken.
Inspire him with new courage every day so that he will soon be with us.
Make him strong to run the race.
Amen

You know you're a Marine wife when...

You can figure out how to buy groceries for 5 on a budget for 2.

You can read your husband's LES better than him.

The dispersing clerk knows you by first name.

Your children were all born in different hospitals.

Your child's first words are commisary, PX, and 7 Day Store.

Your children call every Marine "Daddy".

Instead of arguing, you ask you spouse when is his next deployment?

You can pack a seabag with all his belongings better than he does.

You can decorate anywhere with anything ... and for cheap!

You know that there is a way to be a 1 car family and still keep your sanity.

Your Marine invites the new kid in the shop over for a home cooked meal with 1 hour's notice

You actually impress that new kid in the shop with what you whipped up!

You can tell which squadron has night flight just by the flight pattern over your house.

You know to start packing when he says, " Honey, guess what?"

You know the exact amount of postage for the weekly care package without weighing it.

You know to believe he is home when he calls you to tell you where to pick him up.

When you married your Marine, your civilian family asked you for a translation dictionary!

You only use pencil in your address book for friends.

You sit alone at night wondering how his day is going in Japan.

You heave a sigh for all he is missing.

You wipe a tear for the rose he gives you with the note that says, "For all you do."

You stand tall when you hear the Hymn.

You cry only once he's back home.

At your highschool reunion, you proudly boast you'd never trade places with anyone.

You know that "Semper Fi" has a special meaning for you and your spouse.

Author Unknown

A Marine Mother's Love

Written by Gloria Ray Harrison, 1998

Because I am your mother and I love you, I have endured the last 13 weeks of your being away from your family. Often facing each day, with tears streaming down my cheeks.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I found the strength to sign the papers and let you go because I knew it was what you wanted and needed to grow.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I somehow found a way to make it through those long weeks praying and counting each and every day.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I hold you very close in my heart. Reminding myself daily, of why we are apart and your ambition to succeed as a United States Marine.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I have faithfully stood by your side.
My heart soared when I saw you standing so straight and tall, and I was filled with overwhelming pride.
Because I love you so much, I willingly face this time in your life when you are spreading your wings with love and understanding.
I know some would not choose to be a "Marine's Mother," but I wear that honor with pride.
You are my son, and I'm proud of who and what you are, and love you with all my heart and soul.

Just A Marine's Wife

In the middle of the night, when all is seemly quiet,
she listens to him moan as his past revisits and he is in plight.
Those strange sounds he mumbles, as he tries to express his might,
she's known those sounds are coming from a body racked with fright.
She studies his restless body and asks, why Lord his memory don't you wipe.
Oh thank you God for giving me Just A Marine's Wife.

As he is dreaming of his distressing moments in strife,
Who, in the middle of the night, is always there to hold him tight.
Into the depth of his very sole she alone, can softly whisper,
hold on Marine, all is well, you have won your fight,
because of you the world is a little safer this night.
He is then awakened by a beautiful and secure delight.
Thank you God for giving me Just A Marine's Wife.

There are some who believe that their lives must be a bore,
However every Marine cared for by one, knows the score.
Look around America, they are the life to our corps.
They follow their Marines to the end of the earth,
with love in their hearts, many times alone, they give birth.
Thank you God for giving me Just A Marine's Wife.

For the rest of his life she will stand by his side and never quit,
all the days of his life she must guide him through survivors guilt.
When his flag is folded and into her hands it is received,
she will look up to heaven and even then you can bet,
not once will anyone hear from her a single regret.
Thank you God for giving me Just A Marine's Wife.

The battles of his world now over, and as he enters heavens gate,
his first words will be, "Oh thank you Lord for my mate".
Her life was tough, she loved a Marine, who had much on his plate.
All of her life, by his side, she is the one who fought the good fight,
Thank you God for giving me Just A Marine's Wife.

She now must consign him to your protection, Lord,
because of service to his country, over him she stood guard.
She always gave him praise, in him she placed her belief,
and not a single time in her life did she ever ask for a relief.
Lord, she loved one of your Marines all of her life.
Thank you God for giving me Just A Marine's Wife.

Silent Patriot

A woman for all seasons
A woman for today.
She grows to meet the challenges
And grows along the way.

Her life is not an easy one
With many loads to bear.
She proudly serves with her husband
Yet the uniform he wears.

Although she didn't take the oath
To preserve democracy
She's there each day on the home front
To keep our country free.

She's foreign-born or a country girl,
Diversity you will find.
But to be a Military wife
It takes a special kind.

She's one who keeps on going
Through adversity and pain.
She's the steady, strong foundation
When nothing stays the same.

She's the one who sheds a tear
As Old Glory passes by,
But couldn't give an answer
If you were to ask her why.
Throughout the years, she marches on
Through tears and joy and strife.
She's America's unsung hero-
She's a Military wife.

-Author Unknown

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