Speech delivered by an unknown speaker....

I wanted to share this with you. Uncle Lonnie told me I could use some of it, but the presentation of such words should be kept intact and presented whole. It's so touching and I know it is all so very true.

Thank you to departed generations who raised our Greatest Generation!

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Memorial Service
6th ROC 51st Reunion
16 April 1992

Just a few weeks ago, I was asked to take part in this memorial service to remember and honor Marines of the 6th Reserve Officers Class who have died, some in battle and some in peace.

I had never heard of the 6th ROC, I didn’t know any of you or your story. I was less than a year old as you formed your bonds of friendship. Friendships of loyalty and trust fused in the hardships of training, battle and blood. In time of peace it grew in celebration and sharing your lives. I didn’t know you, yet I am a part of you, just as you are a part of each other. You have impacted my life and the people of this United States in the form of peace and freedom that we all experience and enjoy.

We pause now to reflect and to remember you, the Marines of the 6th ROC who served and fought for our nation. We especially come to honor those who have died, some in the heat of battle and some in the stillness of peace. Dare I say you/they are intertwined in life and death, in memory, in character, in dedication and in service and loyalty to your country.

These men we honor were the product of the Great Depression. Men who worked and struggled to reach their goals, to rise above, to earn college degrees, secure jobs and carve out lives and livings. Men who achieved their goals despite hardships and adversity.

They came from every part of the nation; the big cities; the cotton fields of the South; the ranches and oil fields of Texas and Oklahoma; the farms of the Mid-West; the Rocky Mountains of the West and the rolling hills of the East; from deserts, woodlands, coal fields, sandy beaches and distant islands of Hawaii. No section of this nation failed to give her youth.

These men (you) came from families that instilled in the hearts of these young warriors faith, belief in God, honest work, patriotism, loyalty and most of all a love for their country. These things do not just happen and they are not learned in military training (just honed).

When this country in 1941 called, they responded by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Their oath, “I do solemnly swear that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States,” and they became PFCs in the Marine Corps Reserve. Each was labeled “best qualified” and designation as “principals” and ordered to active duty in the Third Candidates Class. Those who survived graduated as Second Lieutenants five months later and became members of the 6th ROC. A short time afterward they were joined by 25 officers from the class of ’42, U.S. Naval Academy, and 39 reserve officers. The class was interrupted by the Second World War and they were graduated early in 1942. They/you were scattered throughout the Corps. Members of the 6th ROC served in every campaign of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Their countless deeds of heroism, sacrifice, dedication to duty and outstanding loyalty exceeded any expectations. To a man they excelled in superior performance despite overwhelming odds. Because of men like these (modern day centurion) it is no accident that citizens of our great land look upon the Marine Corps and those who serve as champions of nation honor, the embodiment of the highest ethical standards and the guidon for model military behavior in war and peace. It was their privilege to wear the Insignia of the U.S. Marine Corps, to be a part of the 6th ROC. It is our privilege to receive from them the heritage and traditions that they selflessly passed on to us, like a flaming baton, to light the way. Semper Fidelis Marines—you did your best. Sleep well.

Semper Fidelis to you marines who have remained true to your fallen friends and remain committed to each other and to the cause and belief in our God and your country. You have formed a bond which has become even stronger and closer over the many years after active duty.

Semper Fi, Marines of the 6th ROC.