Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54By YM/Cpl Lucky Schmidt DeSoto (FL) Last August the Desoto Young Marines participated in something we like to call “Christmas in August” that is staged by our local Ki- wanis Club. We helped gets the students of Manatee County ready for the 2016-17 school year by giving out supplies, backpacks, and even a new haircut. Through this experience the Desoto Young Ma- rines developed a caring mindset for our community. It opened our eyes to how many children/students and their parents struggle fi- nancially and are in need of school supplies. This experience did not only affect the children in our community but it affected all of us in the DeSoto Young Marines. This experience will never be forgotten and I cannot wait to do Christmas in August with the Bradenton Kiwanis Club next year. DeSoto: Helping Out With Christmas Last August Young Marines celebrate “Christmas in August”. By YM/Sgt Cade Colburn Flatirons (CO) As part of our Unit trip to Washington, D.C. this summer from June 14 – June 18, 2016, GySgt Phillip Fisher, Sgt Saber Murray, and myself, Sgt Cade Colburn of the Flatirons Young Marines, had the honor of placing the wreath on The Tomb of the Unknowns on Saturday, June 18, at Arlington Nation- al Cemetery. I will never forget this as one of the most special times of my life. It was hot and hu- mid that day, we were ner- vous and sweating buckets in our Alpha uniforms, but for all of us, it was one of the proudest moments of our lives so far. The crowd was quiet and somber, realizing that freedom does not come free a message that is delivered in a quiet, somber and serious manner. Many who sacrificed everything, including their very lives, did not have the opportunity to be recognized. Many never will be. That is why it is so important as a group that we recog- nize them, because they did have an impact. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identi- fied. Since April 6, 1948, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Regi- ment - “The Old Guard” - protects the tomb 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Old Guard is so dedicated to their duties that they have guarded the monument during hurricanes and blizzards, even during the great so-called “Snowmaggedon” of 2010. I would highly recommend that everyone attend the cer- emony at least once in their lifetime. It was amazing to see the dedication, attention to detail, precision and bearing held by the sentinels during their walk and the ceremony. It is an experience unlike any other. The Tomb of the Unknowns: A Unique Experience By YM/PFC Mariela Cazares Eagle (CA) On Memorial Day 2016, citizens from all around San Diego and farther gathered to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, CA for one reason: to honor and pay respect to those who had sacrificed their lives. People from different backgrounds, re- ligions, and age took the time out to pay tribute to those who served our country. Our unit arrived upon the spot to place our Young Marine wreath among the many beautiful wreaths that other organizations had brought. As I observed my surroundings, I was amazed about the number of graves there were (101,079, according to Wikipe- dia). When you look at a number, you don’t think very much of it, but when you actually see it in its physical form, it changes you and makes you appreciate humanity and its sacred com- mitment to sacrificing to others in need. Our Eagle unit attended the ceremony,enjoying the thought- fully spoken words.At the end of the ceremony, our unit went to the next ceremony at the famous landmark of San Diego: Mount Soledad. Atop this tall hill, lies a large concrete mon- ument in the shape of a cross, dedicated to our proud and giving heroes. Immediately, we were appointed to guard the stairways (allowing us a gorgeous view of the city and the ocean).The service began,attendees were very respectful and kind, and our unit (and others) were very fortunate to be able to meet elder veterans and assist them. I am very thankful how Memorial Day allows our country to draw closer togeth- er. May we always remain thankful for the nature, courage and price of Freedom. Eagle: We Attended Two Memorial Day Ceremonies 14 YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE