Regarding the grouchy adults, I would be willing to say any Marine or former Marine would tell them, “Let the kids dance.”

Why do you think we have fought in all of this country’s wars?

If you want to complain, tell President [Barack] Obama that when he cuts the Marine Corps budget, there will be two fewer Marine bands next year.

Maybe he hasn’t quite figured out “The President’s Own”?

When the Marines were leaving Iwo Jima, they passed the 5th Marines cemetery, and saw a sign made from a K-ration box on which was written, “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for their tomorrow, we gave our today.”

So, I might suggest if you’re looking for a somber event, try next year’s Memorial Day Ceremony. But be careful, they do fire a volley and sometimes children cry.

Ken McKnight
Cpl USMC 1969-72
Idyllwild