USMC Graduation :: Parris Island
2012
Last week my parents and sister made the long drive down to our place for a quick little visit before we all packed up and headed over to Parris Island for the USMC Graduation ceremony in which my brother, Spencer, graduated.
He has spent several years in the Canadian Army and, thanks to our mother, we all have dual citizenship with Canada and the USA and thus Spencer decided to join the USMC (United States Marine Corp) after his contract with the Canadian Army came to an end.
For clarification: Thursday is Family Day in which the recruits are given a few hours of free time to spend with their families, show them around the training facility and to eat whatever they like (they are not allowed to leave Parris Island.) Friday is the USMC Graduation ceremony, and immediately afterwards they are free to leave with their families. These are pictures from both days events.
Family Day, prior to the recruits being released to be with their families for a few hours. Spencer is third row back, third from the right. Seconds after the recruits were released for a few hours with their families – a whir of emotions and commotion followed.
So very precious. (meaning the above picture, but the one below is too!)
Once Judah found his Uncle in the crowd he.did.not.let.go. It was quite adorable.
Wesley’s adoration wasn’t quite as transparent, but it was there too.
Spencer showing off his living quarters for the past 3 months.
The bunks.
The sinks.
The toilets. (Does this make anyone else giggle?!)
I overheard one doting mom gasp and say to her son “Oh honey! This must have been such an adjustment for you!”
Once Spencer had given us a brief tour we took our picnic lunch to a quint lake front picnic area.
We were shaded by a fantastic climbing tree that the boys took full advantage of.
I wish the trees in our backyard were this amazing!!
Shortly after our picnic Spencer’s free time was up and we left for the evening. The next morning we returned for the USMC Graduation. Adoring fans watching the parading of the new Marines. This represents so much discipline and hard work. So proud of them all! The USMC Graduation ended and the families swarmed the Parade Deck. My parents on family day and then again on graduation day with Spencer. And top right is my sister, Esther, with our marine. Congratulations Spencer! We are so proud of your hard work!
