unfortunately, i had to stop reading previous posts after realizing they were all long and it was going to take me a while to put my 2 cents in....anyhow, as a former NCO of the marine corps, here is my part....
its totally understandable to think of your parents' feelings. BUT, you are your own person. as tragic as it might seem, if you died as a marine, you died for something special. not saying that you will, and all of those that are marines hope that another marine may never die. the USMC is a special band of brothers that will stay true to your heart until the day your time on earth is done. whether its through combat, or just natural death. you would always be remembered as a marine. the eagle, globe, and anchor have to be earned. and those that earn it respect the rest that have earned it as well.
i continually find myself remembering my fellow marines. both past and present with the sacrifice they put out there. i could not know a single one of them, but i would shed a tear for those that never made it back. i would also back up any marine. regardless of being an acquaintance or not. its this that makes the brotherhood of being a marine, special.
i ask you this, would you rather join the marine and possibly upset/sadden your family emotionally and have respect of yourself and others. or, would you rather live life wishing you could go back and do what you desire?
i never regret a day in my life for the choice i made. i would have died for a single one of my marines. they would have done the same.
