Photo By Cpl. Timothy Norris | Marines at the main bar of Afterburners aboard the Air Station, watch the nationally...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - Fightertown Marines watched a historic event when the live broadcast of Sgt. Dakota Meyer being awarded the Medal of Honor, for saving 36 lives at great risk to his own in combat, played at Afterburners Sept. 15.
Marines of every rank flowed into the enlisted club and gathered around a TV of their choice, excited the ceremony was only minutes from beginning.
A hush fell over everyone in attendance as President Barack Obama began to speak about Meyer’s character. There were no apprehensive toes tapping or restless legs shifting weight as the president recounted Meyer’s heroic actions.
No eyes glanced from side to side or hung down, but remained remarkably unmoved from their nearest screen as Meyer received the highest military award from his nation, the Medal of Honor.
There was no applause or shouts of “Semper Fi” and “ooh-rah” once the medal hung around his neck. Instead a solemn silence and approving expressions were given from the Marines of the Air Station, showing the respect and pride they took in Meyer’s example.
“We’re extraordinarily proud of Sgt. Dakota Meyer,” said Obama, before the citation and presentation. “The Medal of Honor reflects the gratitude of the entire nation. In Sgt. Dakota Meyer we see the best of a generation that has served with distinction through a decade of war.
“You did your duty above and beyond and you kept the faith with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps that you love. To our Marines, to all our men and women in uniform, to our fellow Americans, let us always be faithful,” Obama concluded.
Meyer is the third living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the War on Terror began. He is also the first living Marine since the Vietnam War, making the award ceremony a historic event for Marines everywhere.
“The last two have been Army and now we have a Marine, so that’s definitely something we Marines look forward to,” said Cpl. Mario Reyes, a warehouse clerk with Marine Aircraft Group 31 and a native of New Brunswick, N. J.
Marines left as fast as they arrived to return to the responsibilities they put on hold to watch the ceremony.
Even though the event was planned short notice, it was well received by all.
“We had a really good turnout, and it will be something we keep our eye on more often,” said Brett Westerfield the single Marine program coordinator on the Air Station.
Opening Afterburners for the ceremony may seem a small thing but it was greatly appreciated by those who attended. They will be able to recall where they were when Meyer received the Medal of Honor, that it was a solemn occasion
they shared with Marines across the world.
| Date Taken: | 09.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2011 14:06 |
| Story ID: | 77453 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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