November 10, 2009
Thanks to our Veterans
This morning I felt like celebrating the Marine Corps birthday as a Marine who served in Viet Nam many years ago. I pulled my Marine Corp jacket from the closet planning on wearing it for the day. In a pocket was a folded piece of paper which I removed, unfolded and read. I realized the last time that I had this jacket on was for the funeral of a young Marine Corporal who gave his life, in the service of our Country, January 21, 2007 in Anbar Province, Iraq. As I looked at the picture of Darrel James Morris, 21, a graduate of Joel Farris High School here in Spokane, I was reminded of the pictures of myself and my son Ted both Marines wearing the same dress blues. Thank You Cpl Morris, for your service, your life was not given without cause.
Tomorrow is Veterans Day, the day to remember all of those who have given their lives to preserve the freedoms that we take for granted. Thank you to all who have served in the service to our Country.
My son, Major Christopher Hormel, is actively serving in the U.S. Army and I’m so proud of his service in several combat areas as a Military Policeman. Thank you son, for the sacrifices that you and your family continue to make for all Americans.
Today the Marine Corp is 232 years old making it one year older then the United States of America. Many have served in those 232 years, and many have given their lives for us so today it is with pride that I still can call myself a Marine.
