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Marine Corps Stories: Austere Steps

Three Marines visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

By Skyler SaundersPublished 4 years ago 4 min read
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The Marines visited the Marine Corps Museum that summer afternoon. Dressed in smart civilian attire, they moved with austere steps. Lead by Sergeant Wayne Corley, the Devil Dogs witnessed history evolve right before their eyes.

“How many people does it take to raise a flag?” Private First Class Guillver Gill said.

“Apparently six, Boot,” said Lance Corporal Sadler Tank.

They both admired and became fascinated at the famous Iwo Jima flag raising from the second World War. The other exhibits called their names. In the Korean War segment, they shivered at the cold blast of air that simulated the bitter conditions of the landscape that the Marines faced. Scenes from the battles featured the “Mickey Mouse” boots that became notorious amongst the men who fought in that war. The “Frozen Chosin” and Pusan and Inchon locations saw the bravery and selfishness of the warriors sent to fight.

They moved onto Vietnam which remained the total opposite. The humid, stifling heat of the jungle served as a reminder of the fight against the elements as well as the enemy, similar to Korea. The three Marines then circled back to the very beginnings of the Corps. The battle at Belleau Wood provided them all with a sense that the nickname “Devil Dog” still remains shrouded in mystery. But it stuck. The men who sweat, bled, and died there allowed Corley, Gill, and Tank the opportunity to realize the solemnity the exhibits projected. Like a walk through the ages, the three of them embarked on a journey of discovery. It permitted them no respite from the harsh and brutal aspects of war.

“I’m starting to think that these Devils said, ‘hell, I’ll fight. It’s worth it’ no matter the political nonsense involved in the matter. When America needed her sons in the trenches, on the beaches, in the snow, and in the jungle and in the sand and mountains, they tossed away any reservations and just went,” Sergeant Corley said.

“Sar’ent?”

“What’s that Gill?”

“How should we view the battles that Marines fought as compared to other branches?”

Tank rolled his eyes. Corley remained patient and calm.

“We have to look at ourselves like we’re the best, even when we’re not at our best.” The newer sections showed Marines in the first Gulf War. Hazardous material suits materialized before their eyes.

The three Marines continued their trek through the exhibits. They finally arrived at the post 9/11 section. They all stared at the Marines stomping through Afghanistan on those weeks following the act of war. They soaked in the sounds of gunfire and desert cammies rambling over the surface. Then they saw the Iraq War exhibit. A “remembered war,” this conflict continues to be bandied about concerning its legitimacy to this day. Cammies splashed across screens. The “forgotten wars of World War I and Korea and the other “remembered war,” Vietnam demonstrated the necessity for the museum to these three.

“Are you two Marines hungry?”

“Yes, Sar’ent,” the junior Marines said.

“Okay. I’m going to the Tun Tavern and have a beer. I’m sure that I can trust you, Tank on meeting me at the entrance in about an hour. Don’t let me have to text you.”

“Aye, Sar’ent.”

The lance corporal and the PFC found their way to the restaurant and ordered while Corley sat down for some brew.

“Lance Corporal?”

“Boot?”

“Do you think that all of those exhibits are accurate. I mean did all of those depictions seem on point to you?”

Tank sighed. “I would imagine.”

“Oh, I was just thinking that maybe they could have been more precise.”

Astonished, Tank said, “Oh, really? How so?”

“They could have shown more blood.”

“No. Civilians come through here. They can’t show the blood and guts of battle. We’re ready for it but the American people will not be able to stomach that kind of display.”

The two Marines finally received their food. The both of them ordered Jarhead burgers and chomped down on them.

“We’ve got to meet up with the sergeant in a few minutes. Wash that down so that we can get out of here.”

“Okay.”

Sergeant Corley stood looking at his watch and tapped his foot near the entryway doors.

“You’re right on time, you two. ERR….”

“Roger that Sergeant.”

The trio exited the building with a little bit more knowledge and understanding of the Corps.

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Skyler Saunders

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