by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942~Sept. 1945
My ol' footsteps grow dimmer
But they go a long way back,
I've tread on shores
And beaches
When they said "Attack!"
So all you young Marines
Who follow in my wake,
Keep faith in your Corps
For good Marines it makes.
I have a lot of faith in you,
I see the things
That you do,
You bring out
All the pride I feel
In being a Marine
Like you.
My days have come
And they have gone,
I leave you here
To carry on,
To keep the banner
Of our Corps
Forever waving
Shore to shore.
Pick up your brass
And move along,
You've more to do
So carry on.
The flame of
Freedom
Is yours to
Fan,
Keep it burning
For every man.
Semper Fi!
* * *
About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal
and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
