Almost two decades ago (Ouch. I can really say that.), my Dad took my little sister and I on vacation. Alone. Just the three of us. We got into a car early in the morning before the sun came up and we drove to Washington DC. My Dad had clearly lost his mind.

Surprisingly my sister and I did pretty good. For the ride. For the sightseeing. For the ENTIRE EDUCATION ABOUT THE UNITED STATES MARINES. Well …. almost all of that.

You see, like my Grandfather, the World War II vet who fought in many battles (most notably The Battle of Midway) my Dad is* a United States Marine. Exhibit A followed by Exhibit B.

*You always say “is” and never “ex-Marine”, because – say it with me – ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE.

Anyhow, this trip to DC was THE trip. Where we saw everything there was to see even mildly related to the United States Marine Corps. Memorials, Marine Corps Band, Silent Drill Platoon ….. oh yeah. That one. The one that has “SILENT” in their name. Which would, you know, roughly imply that not only THEY but the ENTIRE CROWD is …oh … SILENT during their performance.

Not this one. Nope, not this one riiiight here. I’ve always been feisty.

It had been a long day. A long, hot summery Tuesday. A long, hot summery Tuesday of Museums, Monuments, Memorials, MARINES. If it started with an “M” and it was plural, we probably saw it. I emphasize TUESDAY because – well if you’re from a military family, particularly the Marines you probably know what happens on Tuesdays. Or maybe not. Why don’t I tell you.

Marines from Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. perform their famous Sunset Parade in front of the memorial every Tuesday evening at 1900 during the summer months. The parade features a precision drill exhibition by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and a “Music-In-Motion” performance by the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

Let’s put it this way: THIS WAS WHAT THE TRIP WAS ALL ABOUT.

But you know what? I was roughly 10 years old. I had looked at things all day. I had been “a soldier” through it all, and you know what? NOW I WAS HUNGRY.

The Silent Drill Platoon starts. Silently.

“Dad. Dad. Dad. Dad. Dad? Dad. Dad? Dad. Dad. Dad. Dad. Daddy? Daddy? Dad. Dad. Dad.”

“What Jenny. What?”

“I’m hungry.”

“Yeah. I know. We’re getting dinner as soon as this is over.”

*waits…..30 seconds.*

“Dad. Dad. Dad. Dad. Daaaad. Dadddd. Dad. Da-”

“Jenny. I know you’re hungry. But be quiet. This will be over in just a few minutes.”

“But I’M HUNGRY NOW.”

“Jenny, if you’re not quiet you’ll never get into the Corps.”

*at the very very top of my lungs during this very very SILENT display*

“BUT I DON’T WANT TO GET IN THE CORPS.”

*sound of every single person turning their head to see the ungrateful little brat who just announced to the United States Marines during a performance that she cares more about eating a grilled cheese than she she does about their institution.*

For the record, my Dad rightfully did make me sit through the rest of the performance – even if I did act as if it was my own personal Crucible.

Sorry I’m an embarrassing brat, Dad & Grampy. At least we’ve got these fond memories.

Happy Birthday and Semper Fi!

Ooh Rah!