Photo By Lance Cpl. Harleigh Faulk | Photos displayed in the residence of U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Grimes, a World War...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – In the center of the yellow brightly lit bedroom of the hospice center, 101-year-old World War II veteran U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. John Grimes lay quietly watching his television. Unbeknownst to him, behind the door of his room at the Jefferson in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 10, 2025, three Marines with the Quantico Ceremonial Platoon were just outside his room with balloons and a cake. It wasn’t Grimes’ birthday though. The Marines came out to not only honor a veteran, but to also celebrate the Corps’ 250th anniversary early with a brother. Grimes’ youngest son Jacques knew the Corps was special to his father but didn’t know if he’d make it to the Marine Corps’ actual birthday on November 10.
“It means a lot to him [that the Marines came to visit],” said Jacques Grimes. “I don’t know how much longer we’ll have him, but while he’s here, I figured… let’s make him as happy as he can be.”
The Marine Corps was always very important to the elder Grimes. At four years old, he’d lost his father, Thomas Grimes, a Marine who served in the Corps from 1898-1903. That loss left an impact on him, leading him to enlist in the Corps in 1943 to honor his father. After graduating boot camp, Grimes became a radio operator and fought in WWII during the Battle of Tinian in 1944. During the battle he was injured by a mortar blast and later awarded the Purple Heart.
The old Marine shared this story as the Marines sat patiently but fully focused on him. As he talked about his time during the war, he also shared a little of what he’d learned as a Marine.
“You need to be obedient, well-instructed, and proud,” he explained when asked about what makes an effective warrior ready for war. He continued talking about how his Drill Instructors did their best to prepare their Marines, including him, so they’d be ready to survive the battles to come. “I was always afraid, but I am grateful [I survived].”
Grimes found himself missing home. In 1946 he decided to get out and forge a new path. He eventually joined the Department of State and became a diplomatic courier and later became a Foreign Service Officer. The structure that Grimes found in the Marine Corps served him well in these roles and allowed him and his family to see the world.
“Everyone says it, but when [my dad] says, ‘once a Marine, always a Marine,’ and I look at [him]… You’ll see it,” Jacques said. “He’s one of the few remaining from the greatest generation.”
Grimes retired from diplomacy at age 55 and found himself enjoying reading and writing more than socialization but this didn’t stop the now 101-year-old from making jokes with the Marines. When the Marines asked what his meals looked like during WWII, he responded with humor.
“It came in a can,” Grimes said. “The same kind I get now!”
The three Marines finally brought the cake out and stood at the position of attention to sing the Marines’ Hymn. Grimes laid in his bed and sang along with the young Marines to celebrate the birthday of their Corps.
“It’s an honor to meet, not only a WWII veteran, but one who fought as the same rank I am now,” said Pfc. Jamail Padilla, a Marine with the ceremonial platoon. “He is proof you can make an important impact at any rank.”
Together, the Marines and Grimes ate their birthday cake carrying on a time-honored tradition. The annual birthday of the Marine Corps brought them together across generations to celebrate tradition, brotherhood, the sacrifices of those who’ve gone before, and those still present today, like Grimes.
“You must be proud of your Corps,” Grimes said as he listened to the young Marines talk about how far the Marines had come since his time 81 years ago.
Staff Sgt. Courtney Montecalvo, the Ceremonial Platoon staff non-commissioned officer responded simply, saying, “We really, truly are and it’s thanks to the Marines like you who came before us.”
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2025 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 550328 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 184 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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