THIS is “ Semper
Fidelis ” ….
Margaret Thornburg sent the following to me. It exemplifies what “Semper Fidelis” is all about.
Take a moment to read
this. Be reminded why we are so proud
to be in the company of Marines.
Thank you Margaret, Chuck and
the other Marines who unselfishly answered the call.
Tuesday January 13, 2004
Just wanted to share
with you a very special time we had yesterday. An 88-year old
Marine, a Gunnery Sgt. from Second World War, was celebrating his birthday in
a Longmont Nursing Home. Chuck has
visited him before, and when he got the call he gathered six members of the
Marine Corps League and me and off we went.
Matthew Angus
is failing fast and is wheelchair bound, but the room was festive with red
and blue balloons and a big birthday cake.
The Marines came in and greeted him.
Then the bugler played the Marine Corps Hymn. Suddenly, Matthew was trying to stand and
falling and there was a scramble of staff, but they supported him so that he
could stand - and salute!!!!!! He had
a huge grin on his face! We took
photos and he kept grinning and then we ate cake with him and with many other
residents. The staff said
none of his family was there--but his Marine family was! To close the time, the bugler played
again, and Matthew stood at attention, saluting, again. There were not many dry eyes! We came back in
the van, with lightened spirits and joy of hearts! Matthew was proudly wearing his new Marine hat! His Marine bandana had been pinned to his
door by a staff that obviously adored him.
It was a great day for all of us. Friday January 16, 2004
When we gathered
for Matthew's 88th birthday on Monday, I took photos of the celebration. Yesterday I had a strong urge to just go
back to Longmont with Chuck and take the photos to Matthew. Chuck agreed, and away we went in his
little purple truck, as my van was still in the shop. As we arrived
at the Nursing Home, staff told us we were "just in time" for a
send off for Matthew who was being transported to Hospice care. His son, daughter in law and daughter were
there and they were thrilled with the photos! Chuck had framed one of Matthew and the 6 Marine Corps League
members in a patriotic frame. When
they showed it to Matthew he lit up like a Christmas tree!!! We were able to
wish him a heartfelt "Semper Fi" as he was put in the
ambulance. He was able to respond
with a hearty "Semper
Fi!" He has few days left on
this earth. It was our privilege to
be a part of giving him some joy in those days, and to share with his
family. So often, I am afraid I may feel the Lord's "urging" and think I'll do it later. This was an excellent reminder to heed and obey! Ten minutes later we would have missed Matthew and his family. I pray to become more aware and more obedient to His will for me!
Saturday January 31, 2004
Snow fell thickly turning the landscape
into a frosty wonderland. The chapel
at Beatrice Hover Assisted Living in Longmont was hushed and reverent. Matthew Angus' photo as a Marine Staff
Sergeant in World War II was on the altar table. He was a handsomely proud young man! The Marine Corps League conducted the memorial service at the
request of his family. A grandchild's
balloon to honor Matthew burst resoundingly, startling all. Chuck was addressing the group and was
able to quickly make reference to how much that would have made Matthew laugh
with joy. The solemn military service
was complemented by tender memories from his son and his daughter. His very young grandson stood to receive
the flag at the end, marched right up to George and stood with his eyes fixed
on the flag. It was a moment that
prompted many tears! The 21-gun
salute went off as planned with snowflakes swirling around the Marines who
did not flinch or falter. They
fittingly honored their fallen comrade. We have known Matthew for only a short
while, but all who encountered him were impressed with his proud patriotism
to the end. It was a privilege to
know him and to bring a bit of joy to his last days. Semper Fi, Matthew Angus.
|
||||||||||||||||||
