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“The Pacific” TV miniseries, produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, in association with HBO Films, Playtone, Dreamworks and Seven Network, brings the gritty combat action of the Marines in WW II’s island-hopping campaigns to the fore during this 65th anniversary of the end of the war.

Andrew Cooper

The infamous French Chauchat. Note the open side of the half-moon ammunition magazine, which was known to easily collect mud, causing jams at the worst possible times.

Courtesy of the Marine Corps History Division

In this July 12, 1962, photograph, President John F. Kennedy stands with the 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen David M. Shoup, during the President’s visit to the Commandant’s home at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Washington, D.C.

(Leatherneck will pay $25 for the Sound Off Letter of the Month.)

We live in a very small town. The church our family attends has no more than 100 parishioners.

Our son is a Marine corporal. He was unexpectedly able to come home for Christmas. To our delight, he brought home a Marine friend, Jon Herlan. I asked if they would wear their uniforms to upcoming Sunday church services.

Another surprise was that Private First Class Juan Martinez was returning home from advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was two years behind our son in high school. We all know each other through church. PFC Martinez is a third-generation Marine.

After a couple days of cramming all the home-cooked meals we could get them to eat, Sunday morning arrived. As the three of them, dressed in service “alpha” and dress blue uniforms, walked into the foyer of the church, many young and old came up to shake their hands, and Marines from the past all said “Semper Fi” to each other.

During the service, the pastor asked them to stand and be recognized. They were resoundingly cheered. What a sight to behold. I’m not sure they really grasp the importance of what they are doing. I was a young Marine once, and now at 49, I have a completely different perspective.

Now, when I see those uniforms, I see 234 years of faithful service to our great country. I see the high cost it takes to keep America free, the traditions of our beloved Corps. Seeing those Marines standing there, it became apparent that our country and Corps will remain intact because of young and brave Marines such as these.

Hugh B. Pratt
USMC, 1983-87
Bath, Mich.