"It is going to be emotional" was the warning Mike Washburn gave me concerning the Marine Corps Graduation. And...it was.

My nephew PFC Kevin Buchanan graduated this past Friday from Marine Corps basic.  The ceremony was filled with all kinds of tradition and left the participants (marine and families alike) with a feeling that something special had just happened.  I will be talking more about our trip to San Diego in the coming days.  But for now, let me leave you with one little observation from the weekend.

Family and friends were invited on the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD) base during Family Day and Graduation Day festivities.  A diverse group of people had assembled to honor their marine.  The diversity encompassed a number of social, ethnic, economic and even national groups. 

Here is the cool part. 

Outside of "church," this was the best mannered and respectful group of people I have been in the company of in a long time.  People used manners, language was kept in check, and respect was given to all in attendance. Yes, on Family Day, the new marines had to behave themselves because they were still being watched by their Drill Instructors--that was expected.  It was the conduct of the crowd that caught my attention. 

Why did everyone step up their behavior?  They were briefed by the Corps and told that this was a special occasion and that everyone deserves to have their marine and family honored. So, respect and courtesy would be the order of the day.  Well--it worked and it was awesome!  People opened doors, said "please" and "thank you," and generally acted  better than what you find in the local mall or sporting event.

I am not advocating marine corps boot camp for all of society (it is a thought).  However, how great would it be, if on the base(s) in which you are in command (family, school, athletics, church, etc.) an order of respect and courtesy would be issued as the standard for the day?

So, go ahead, call a meeting and raise the standard of conduct. You will like the way it improves the overall attitude of everyone.   

Again, more will be said of this awesome weekend later.  For now, here is a picture of my family with our new marine.