by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942-Sept. 1945
In the fall of this year
Let me make this event clear:
A most important happening
Will occur.
On a plot of ground
Near the center of
A Marine compound
Will be opened to us all
I recall.
It will stand ever so tall
With very great walls
Of everlasting
Stainless steel,
Like the Corps
It represents,
It resists the bangs
And dents
That is so like
Our beloved
Corps.
There will be for all to see
Things that you and me
Used in our time of war.
Hanging high
Above our heads
Planes that helped us
In our stead
When the going got
A little tough.
Those who visit this great place
Will both honor us and grace
Us with their presence
In this shrine
Of heroes of our land.
Let no man depart
Not feeling in his heart
That he had stood
Among the best.
* * *
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.
