A Purple Fox's Lady Writes Two Poems


When attending Purple Fox reunions, I would listen to stories the Purple Foxes were telling and I would be amazed at what they went through, what they did and I would say, "WOW, YOU'RE A HERO!"  Each time I said that to a Purple Fox, he would say, "NAY, I'M NO HERO, BUT I SURE DO KNOW SOME!"  That stuck with me and that was the inspiration for - - 

 
Humble Hero


You are uncomfortable being called a hero
and say you were just doing your best - -
that others did so much more than you,
and they are the ones we should respect.

You say that someone had to take care of it
and you were just doing what you could - -
it really wasn't anything,
nothing more than you should.

You fly to a fallen comrade
without a second thought - -
you say it was nothing,
he was the one who really fought.

You carry a brother to safety
without even knowing his name - -
you were just glad you were there,
anyone would have done the same.

You never forsake the fallen
whether missing, dead or alive - -
you remember to remind others,
how hard he fought to survive.

For you will tell those who ask, "I'm no hero!"
that is the answer each one gives followed by, - -
"But, then again, I sure do know some!" - -
and that is the real story of courage that lives!


 
After years of watching documentaries on TV showing Marines in various wars or other conflicts, listening to my Marine describe his feelings, attending Marine Corps Balls, talking to Purple Foxes and other Marines, and seeing proud Marines marching, guarding and honoring our fallen, our flag, and our country....and always caring for their fellow brothers - - - 

 
Always A Brother
You are a Marine . . .
one of the few,
one of the proud,
one of the true!

A leader . . .
a believer,
a focused achiever,
of the highest caliber!

Molded by The Code . . .
encouraged to be all you can be,
for only when forged in steel,
can you represent your hallowed destiny!

You are a special breed . . .
are respectful of all people,
a protector of all freedom,
and always his brother's keeper!

Duty, honor, country, Corps . . .
those aren't just idle words to you,
for if you are cut wide open,
you only bleed red, white and blue!

You are tested and tried . . .
character shaped in rock and mud,
dignity won by word and deed,
loyalty and brotherhood written in blood!

Your chest swells at the sight of the flag . . .
you stand tall and proud above the rest
you are an elite group,
you are the best of the best!

You honor those who have come before . . .
for those who risked all to hold the flag high,
for those who have cared for your wounded,
and for those who had to say good-bye!

Once a brother, always a brother . . .
what is born in battle, cannot be broken - 
when Marines stand together in final review
one heart beats and not a word need be spoken!

So return our salute - accept our respect . . .
greet our gratitude in your humble manner,
bask in our deep admiration
and let us forever wave your banner!

For we know that without you,
we would or could not be . . . . . . . . .
because of your unyielding sacrifices
YOU are what keeps us free!

By Judy Hall, proud spouse of GySgt. James G. Hall, USMC (Ret.)
who will always be her "Humbl Hero!"

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