Looking at the vulnerability of life is not just for us oldies as I recall my first look at the reality of living. At the age of 18 I passed out as a Royal Marine Commando having completed one of the toughest challenges both physically but most of all mentally where 75% of those who joined did not complete the 9 months training. As we assembled off the parade ground in our Dress Blues hidden from our loved ones, families and friends the Regimental Sergeant Major told us to look into the eyes and hug each other as this will be the last time you will all be together and some of you will not live to be able to get together, a very sobering moment. We then marched on behind the Royal Marine band the best there is and then at the end of the parade marched off to the command "Royal Marines to your Duties, Quick March. Within 10 days one of us was gone killed in Northern Ireland over the next 5 years we lost 6 more, we have a reunion every year and out of the 22 who hugged each other on that day there are 12 of us left. Live life to the full every day, you just don't know.
Last edited by britmog; 04/08/26 03:09 PM.
