248TH USMC BIRTHDAY
In the crucible of history, for 248 years strong,
Marines stand united, a legacy that's long.
From Belleau Wood's echoes to Inchon's shore,
In blood, sweat, and sacrifice, honor they bore.
Heroes like Woody Williams, Cafferata, and Daly,
In the heat of battle, their deeds spoke bravely.
Shoulders we stand on, their courage our guide,
Earn our title "Marine" with each rising tide.
From the Great War's trenches to battles untold,
Marines fought for freedom, courageous and bold.
In Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East's call,
They answered with valor, they gave their all.
A life of service, of sacrifice profound,
In mud-covered uniforms, honor is found.
To be first to fight, the mission we embrace,
Choosing the path that others might not face.
In war's shadow, Marines relentlessly train,
Excellence our standard, to endure the pain.
From sea to land, we rise and return,
Our unique culture, a flame that'll forever burn.
Sergeant Major Ruiz and I stand with pride,
In this past year's feats, our strength amplified.
Every Marine, active, reserve, and vet,
Uphold our standards, a duty we won't forget.
Protect your kin, preserve the legacy we share,
Happy Birthday, Marines, in unity declare.
With "Ooh Rah" echoing, let our spirits soar,
For 248 years strong, and many more.
Taken from
A MESSAGE FROM THE
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE
CORPS
General Eric M. Smith
November 10, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop
In the moonlit night, a K-9's loyal gaze,
With handlers side by side, through duty's maze.
Beyond the shift's end, a bond profound,
Feeding, playing, love's echoes resound.
In every wag, a tale untold,
Responsibility, a story to unfold.
Days off embraced, yet devotion stays,
A canine companion in life's array.
November 9, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop
In praise of God, our anxieties cease to be,
A soothing balm for our minds, our souls set free.
For in the act of appreciating His grace,
We find release from worries that we face.
Stress, a heavy burden we often bear,
In every aspect of life, it's always there.
But when we lift our voices in grateful song,
The Father's peace in our hearts is strong.
As the psalmist knew, in God we find our place,
A refuge where we pour our hearts with grace.
The burdens lifted, we gain a vital key,
To physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
So let us appreciate God, in reverence and praise,
For in His presence, our worries we erase.
In that release, we find our souls set free,
A profound peace, a gift from the Almighty.
November 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop
In pastures green, where waters flow,
The LORD, my shepherd, makes me know.
Beside still waters, my soul restored,
Guided on paths, for His name adored.
Through shadows deep, no fear I find,
With rod and staff, His peace entwined.
A table set 'midst foes unkind,
Anointing oil, my cup assigned.
Goodness and love, my constant guide,
In every step, by His side.
Through days and nights, through joy and strife,
In the LORD's house, I find my life.
November 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop
I can't blame my shortcomings on what I don't have
Shortcomings come from within and how I behave
I can long for things of this world and covet others' possessions
Being content and calming my soul should be my mission
Quieting my soul and having peace within comes from knowing my maker
Not walking with Him, I will have no peace until I meet the undertaker
October 7, 2023
MarkWaldrop
God's puzzle seems so bloody at times
seeing the underside it seems a crime
When time is ore and the puzzle complete
The crimson thread will be so sweet
The brilliant red we will forever see reminding us of the sacrifices for you and me
November 7, 2023
MarkWaldrop
I have hoped for many things in my life
Some brought more some less strife
Hope is a good thing if what you hope for is good for you
It can be equally as bad if it is evil and not true
Hope in the Lord will always benefit me and you
All Blessings come from God that is so true
It is difficult to put my trust in something I can't see
Becoming easier over time when I see how he takes care of me
November 6, 2023
MarkWaldrop
Am I willing to do whatever it takes
Even if it makes my heart break
That is a strong statement, I must say
A broken heart I would avoid any day
Sometimes, I have to go the extra mile
Walking and showing a heartfelt smile
After doing all I can, they make a mistake
My Spirit sinks tears flow my heart breaks
November 6, 2023
MarkWaldrop
I seem to always be under a cloud of desperation
Everywhere I go, there is always frustration
Why is this not true of everyone I ask
Is this the way I look at every task
Never looking for sunshine or the light of day
I seem to focus on all hardships along the way
Dear Lord, how can I see a Happier time
Stay in My Love where My Light doth shine
November 6, 2023
MarkWaldrop
Words without understanding have no meaning
To understand, you have to quit dreaming
Understanding comes from hearing from others
Even being exposed to the experience of brothers
Understanding the scriptures comes through the Holy Spirit
Not understanding, I only know and believe it
Many things I do not seem to understand
I can only leave them in The Master’s Hand
November 5, 2023
MarkWaldrop
