The Emblem

An eagle, globe and anchor are connected to form the dark brown emblem representing a United States Marine. The pictures above and below show the Emblem Ceremony at Peatross Parade Deck at Parris Island, South Carolina.

This ceremony marked the day 394 recruits received their emblem and became Marines after completion of all training in 12 weeks of boot camp. The Emblem Ceremony happened on Thursday before the graduation ceremony on Friday at the same place.

I was there in February 2007 with other high school teachers from North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia to observe all aspects of recruit training to become a Marine. This workshop was sponsored by the Marine Corps to inform high school teachers and guidance counselors about opportunities for young people in the Marine Corps. Parris Island drill instructors "pulled back the curtain" and let us look into their world for four days where we watched and learned how young men and women are transformed into Marines.

More about this experience will come later.

Have a good week!