By Will Gray Uncle Frank “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.” - President Ronald Reagan - I am thankful for this time with family, and wish my visit was under different circumstances. We are here today to say our goodbye to Frank; a father, husband, uncle, brother-in-law and friend. I felt it appropriate to wear my uniform today to remind us all of the sacrifice Frank made to serve his country. Most of us know that he started his military career in the Army, and then became a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps. It takes a very special person to serve in the Corps, you don’t enlist and than simply separate from the Corp. For love of country, whether its one enlistment or a decorated career “once a Marine, always a Marine.” My memories of Uncle Frank will always be tied to the love of service (and baseball, Peanut M&M’s and RC cola). I can remember as a young child lugging a stack of airplane books over to Ann and Franks. Frank and I would sit on the floor, and to the outsider we would speak another language (Chinook, F/A-18, Blackbird, UH-1). He helped fuel my love of aviation; along with my parents and my aunts and uncles here today, helped shape the man you see standing here. I wish I had that last opportunity to tell Uncle Frank how grateful I am, for sharing his stories and providing me advice when I entered service. I can only wish to have a long and successful career as he did. It’s a Naval tradition that started back in 1860 with a poem written by William Whiting, to recite this poem today I am comforted by the fact that Uncle Frank will continue to serve upon receipt of his final set of orders, and continue to watch over us until we meet again. This poem is called “The Watch” For more than 30 years, this Marine stood the watch. While some of us were in our beds at night, this Marine stood the watch. While some of us were in school learning our trade, this Marine stood the watch. In those years where the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history, this Marine stood the watch. Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there, needing his guidance and help, needing that hand to hold during those hard times, but he still stood the watch. He stood the watch for more than 30 years. He stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, each and every night, knowing that a Marine stood the watch. Today we are here to say Shipmate… the watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and lead. Shipmate, you stand relived… we have the watch. And when our time comes, remember this verse from the Marine Corps hymn: “On heavens scenes; they will find the streets are guarded by UNITED STATES MARINES.” I am sure Frank will be there to meet us wearing that uniform proud.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 16:57:48 +0000