My name is Cpl Richard D. Penedo, and I would like to share with you the story of my visit back home, and all of the things that followed. I joined the USMC May 4th, 2004, and I'm currently serving my second term, or reenlistment, stationed in Quantico, VA. a month ago, I fell into a deep slump, and even though being a Marine is something to be very proud of, I didn't quite feel happy and proud with myself, that is until my visit back home.

The week before last I received an invitation from Mr. Bruce Bigg, who is the coordinator of the 56th Street Senior Center for the city of Bayonne, N.J, which is my home town, to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony honoring Veterans, and Active Duty Service Members. I attended this wonderful ceremony, which made me a Guest Honoree, and the only active duty Marine present in his home town for it. This was to me a very moving experience, filled w/ pride and joy, also sadness, but for the most part, comoradarie. Because of my presence there, I was also requested to march among the Veterans for The Bayonne Detachment #191 of the Marine Corps League at the Memorial Day Parade, which of course I didn't refuse the honor of marching along w/ men who are part of our Marine Corps, and who also brought us the history which us new generation Marines get to enjoy.

It was w/ great pleasure that we marched on Broadway together, as everyone cheered. For my surprise, after the parade, I had the honor of being inducted into the Marine Corps League Detachment #191 of Bayonne, for which my wife, kids, father, godfather, and brother were present for. But I would say the moral of my story is not about how much spotlight you should have, or fancy propaganda. For myself, even if they were no cameras, politicians, or TV Crew, the fact of me being part of all of these experiences in my hometown, is the greatest feeling I have ever had, not only as a Marine, but as a human being in it's entire. With this experience I have learned that doing the right things does pay off, that life should be lived to the fullest, and that our veterans are not to be forgotten, but to be enbraced for what they have done in history. To be part of a league in which members participated in the "Frozen Chosin" made me realize that more should be done for our veterans, in every step way of the way, and it also made me realize that there are people, other than our families who do care about us the active duty members who are continuing the traditions and the good moral values that our veterans have provided for us. Thank you for your time in reading this, my story, with great joy and pride I write this, and I hope w/ the same feelings you enjoy reading it.
SEMPER FI
Cpl Richard D. Penedo 0151/USMC Active.