From whence I was but a scrawny lad,
I knew in my heart that I truly had
That spark, the desire to be and wear
The special shade of green,
The strength, determination and faith to be
A Seagoing United States Marine.

Through rigorous hours and days
I had trained to become an expert
In all that's required to be
A Seagoing United States Marine.

They told us that only the top ten percent
Would be able to sew on the Red Diamond
With the Seahorse and Anchor that showed
That we made the grade.

Oh how I remember StSgt Pappolio
And our Graduation Day Parade.
So proud to wear that special shade of green,
And the Eagle, Globe and Anchor that said
I was now a real Seagoing United States Marine.

Waiting for my first ship to go to sea,
Many, many ports of call awaited me.
Standing tall and erect as I could be
In that special shade of green,
There I was now a Seagoing United States Marine.

Gene Piazza, Jr.
Colonel US Army Ret.
Former Sgt. USMC
USS Duluth, CL-87 1945-1947