SCOTTSBURG, IN

A Show of Support

It’s called the heartland for a reason.

America loves her Marines. She loves all her troops, for that matter. Here in the cozy confines of the Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium, folks from all over Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky came to show their support.

The day’s event started off with the recognition of each service. The master of ceremonies asked former members of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard to stand and be recognized. Even though the stands were filled primarily with former Marines, each service veteran received a loud round of applause. Naturally, when the former Marines in attendance were introduced, the place erupted in thunderous applause. The only other group to receive such a loud and boisterous reception, besides the Silent Drill Platoon, was the Poolees – young men and women soon to enter Marine Corps Recruit Training. The Poolees received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted several minutes.

When the Silent Drill Platoon entered the auditorium, the anticipation was thick. The crowd sat up straight, the pride easily seen on every face. The gymnasium was a little smaller than the usual performance space, but it did not matter; the Marines improvised. And the crowd loved them.

After the performance, Staff Sergeant Christopher Easter dismissed the platoon and the crowd spilled onto the floor to meet their Marines. Former Marines, moms of Marines, and members of the Southeastern Indiana Leathernecks League all stepped up to say “great job” or “thank you.”

To Marines, and all service members, these are no small words. America cares. It was evident by the outpouring in the gym, and by the “We Support the Marines” signs hanging in the windows of the stores that lined the streets.

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