Sue LaPorte

North Providence, RI

My entire family has served w/the USMC. Both parents served in WWII, my father in the Pacific Theater, my mother in Quantico & Pearl Harbor. Both parents were/are very proud, my dad was in particular. In our kitchen we had recruiting posters, photos, a clock my dad made w/enlisted ranks as the hours; numerous things. He would go on and on about the Marine Corps, never letting up. He couldn't have been prouder when my oldest brother signed up during the height of Vietnam. During his time, my dad decided that he should receive a DI sword. When my brother came home on leave, my dad had this ceremony in our kitchen, in front of the shrine. No parent has ever been prouder than my dad that day. My youngest brother also joined up when he graduated HS. Sadly, I went my own way thinking my dad was crazy. Many years have passed since dad passed away, the one thing I think of most was his shrine to our family's service. He believed, "Once a Marine, always a Marine". And while I did not join up, I remain true to the Marine Corps and my family's effort.