Selflessness, "the act of sacrificing ones own interest for the greater good".  That describes each and every one of our Marines.  Our sons and daughters standing on those yellow footprints is truly an act of selflessness. 

As we have celebrated the Marine Corps' 236th Birthday and then Veteran's day these past 2 days, I can't help but stop and think about our son's and daughter's selfless acts.  Some of us may have had the perfect children growing up, never giving us a sleepless night (haha), while others of us may have had those boys that gave us premature gray. 

When our children were born, we all had visions and dreams of what our kids would become:  Go to college and become doctors, lawyers, teachers, professional athletes, etc.  We all wanted our sons/daughters to have great accomplishments in life.  How many of us truly dreamed our sons/daughters would volunteer to become part of the greatest fighting force in the world?  Is it really in anyone to volunteer to put their life on the line for others?   YES!  We can be so proud of our sons and daughters for their enormous act of selflessness that others can never understand.

My son is currently deployed to Afghanistan.  He is a heavy equipment mechanic, which keeps him safer than others as he is on base doing his job.  However, he constantly volunteers to go out on patrol.  Why?  Because he is just like every other Marine...selfless.  What I find amazing is that there is a waiting list of those that have volunteered that want to go out on patrol that don't have to because of their MOS.  Actually, it's doesn't surprise me, it just fills me with pride for all of our Marines. 

I want to share something my son posted on his FB page on the day of the Marine Corps Birthday:

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else on this birthday. I feel honored to be in Afghanistan where many Marines have given their lives to protect all you back in the states. it makes me honored to be in this situation. We will never forget those Marines who have given their lives out here."

I know that is how each and every one of our Marines feels.  God has must have stamped an EGA on the hearts of our sons/daughters as they were being formed in the womb, because only that true act of selflessness comes from our Father in Heaven.  (No disrespect to the other branches of service is intended.)

To each and every Marine, young and old, boot or inactive, deployed or stateside, and especially for those who gave the ultimate act of selflessness "THANK YOU!"   You are all true American Heroes!