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Photo Gallery

Here you’ll find photos from detachment events and happenings.

Veterans Day Parade 2023

Harriet Tubman Celebration 2023

General Gallery

The Marine Corps Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of thy presence and obedient to thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate to those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.

Amen.

The Marine Hymn

“From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our countrys battles
In the air, on land, and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.

Our flags unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.

Heres health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife weve fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heavens scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines”

Poetry

Poetry by the late Hildegard Weber

The American Lovegift

I spent with my Grandma and her kitty
A Christmas vacation in the City,
On the lovely hills of Saxony,
Which then was called “East Germany.”

Said Grandma, “Come on, Hildegard,
Let’s feed the birds in our little yard.
They stalk around on their cold little feet
Without one morsel of foot to eat.”

We watched, as they gobbled their kernels down.
They looked so exited! Not one wore a frown.
When suddenly, that horrible noise!
“Good Heavens!” yelled Grandma; she lost all her poise.
“The armies are coming! I just can’t believe
They’re out to kill us on Christmas Eve!”

We dashed down the shelter in utter despair,
Before the bombs would be dropped from the air.
But there was no fire. There was no explosion.
And the planes disappeared without further commotion.

“Dare we look?” whispered Grandma, “and go back in the yard?”
“Why, there’s a tree!” yelled Hildegard
“A Christmas tree! That’s what it is.
It’s been years since we’ve had something like this.”

And as long as I’ll live, I’ll always remember
That American Lovegift in December.
Thank you, American soldier boys.
You could’ve brought terror
But you brought Christmas joys.

An now that I’m a citizen of the dear U.S.A.
“God Bless America!” I solemnly pray.

Easter Greetings

Our God can do such wondrous things
He does them every year.
He turns our winters into springs
And warms the atmosphere
The little crocus breaks the ground
To kiss the morning sun;
The song birds frolic all around
Their nesting has begun.

The barren fields shoot forth their sprouts;
The lilac stands in bloom.
The splendor of the blossoming trees
Expels all winter’s gloom.
And as the earth renews itself
And rises to perfection
Should not our spirits, hearts, and minds
Turn towards the direction.

When Mary came to the grave that morn’
Of the great Resurrection Day
And angels stood at the empty tomb
And she heard the angels say:
“He is not here! He is not here! He is not here!
He’s risen! He’s risen from the grave!

Go, tell it on the mountain!
Go, shout it from the hill!
Let it echo through the valley:
He lives! He always will!”

He arose! He arose!! He arose!!!

Lord, Heal Our Land!
In Memory of September 11, 2001

Our hearts are filled with pity
Over that tragedy
That fell on New York City.
Home of the Brave and Free,
When vicious, evil forces
Swept through the atmosphere
Causing traumatic losses
Death, horror and despair.
With deep appreciation
We show our gratitude
To the heroes of our nation
Who’s fearless attitude
Saved countless men and women
Innocent children too
Our brave Police and Firemen
And Restoration Crew.
Lord, strengthen our endurance!
United we pray
Grant comfort and assurance
To our hurting U.S.A.

This Lost Little Sheep was I

My heart just thrills that He walked through the hills,
Away from His Ninety-and-Nine
And searched around until He had found
His lost Sheep shiver and whine
And it moves me to cry – and I’m telling you why
This lost little Sheep was I!
‘Twas a cold, lonely night – but He took it in stride,
He was badly in need of sleep;
But with feet swift and strong, He hurried along,
To rescue His perishing Sheep!
Many hours had passed, but He found me at last,
And He knelt on the rock above,
And He lowered His arm, and with infinite warmth
And tender – compassionate love
He said, “Child, come on home! Why wander and roam,
Why shiver alone in the cold.
Come, where it’s secure. Where no Tempter can lure
You away from the Shepherd’s fold.”
Now my joy does abound – and I spread it around;
Jesus walked through the hills – just for me!
For once I was lost – but now I am found.
I was blind – but now I can see.
And it moves me to cry – and I’m telling you why
This Lost Little Sheep was I.

My Favorite Valentines

When first I had a Valentine, I felt the whole wide world was mine!
A very special boy named Walter, who promptly took me to the altar.
Our married life felt wunderbar; then came the nasty, bloody war.
We kissed good-bye; it broke my heart, that I so soon would have to part
From my beloved Valentine, that handsome hunk from ‘cross the Rhine.
And soon the message did arrive: “A bullet took his precious life!”
The very thought still makes me shiver, of that lonesome grave at the Volga River.

When next I had a Valentine, I felt the whole wide world was mine!
A happy sailor boy was he, but he perished in the deep blue sea;
So handsome, healthy, strong and brave – but only sea gulls know his grave.

Once more I had a Valentine, and felt the whole wide world was mine!
Once more my life seemed fair and good, after six long years of widowhood;
And as the lilac stood in bloom, the gentleman became my groom.
And filled with courage and devotion, I followed him across the ocean.

Our future seemed secure and bright. Fred worked so hard from morn’ till night.
Through autumn, winter, spring, and summer, as New Jersey’s finest Master Plumber.
We had one son, and two thereafter, which filled our home with love and laughter
Oh, what a happy family! But friends, it wasn’t meant to be
Far on the road to Hackensack, he was smitten with a heart attack.
When told, I cried, “Oh Lord, have mercy!” Then we buried him up in New Jersey.
An in this broken heart of mine – Jesus stepped in as a Valentine.

The Prime of Life

When you arrive at the Prime of Life
From Sixty Five to a Hundred and Five,
You may experience certain changes:
Your metabolism rearranges,
And you’ll discover – with a frown
Your reflexes are slowing down
So is your visibility,
Your hearing and mentality.

But don’t give up – and don’t despair!
Your old charisma is still there
And friends will tell you – if they’re frank
There’s still a tiger in your tank!

To keep my tank in good condition,
I went to visit my Physician.
My weight did shock him, I could tell!
He was afraid I’d brake his scale!
So I got a mean starvation diet
As you can see – I didn’t try it.
My temp and pressure was okay
So I started on my merry way,
When he came running with a sheet
And made me strip from head to feet!
They lay down horizontally
And await my S.S.E.

The details were a bit too gory
That’s why I’d better close my story.
And so, my sweet Marine Corps Friends
This is the way my message ends;
May God be with you, is my prayer
And keep you in His tender care!

Obituary

Hildegard Kathe (Krah) Weber of Laurel, Maryland, died on February 12, 2009 at the Mariner Health of Greater Laurel. She was 86 years old.

Mrs. Weber was born in Germany and came to the United States as a war bride after World War II. She lived in Hagerstown before moving to Laurel 10 years ago. She was employed as a bookkeeper for the Review and Herald Publishing Association in Hagerstown. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry, especially for organizations such as the Maryland State Police and the city of Hagerstown.

Her husband, Fred Joseph Weber, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Weber is survived by her sons, William K. Weber and his wife, Judy, Fred W.A. Weber and Martin H. Weber and his wife, Darlene; and five grandchildren.

Other Poetry

The Marine

We all came together,
Both young and old.
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

Peace and not war is what some people say.
But I’ll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
And protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don’t *****, I don’t whine.
I’m just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I’m harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I’m the immortal soldier,
I’m a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they’ve shown.

Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you’ve won.

Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor.
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I’ve done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You’ll stand when the fight’s done.

By Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, USMC
USS Saipan, Persian Gulf