My Marine had his promotion to 1st Lt. today at church. It was such an amazing ceremony, and I am so very proud of him. Our pastor-teacher, Maj. Glen Melin (USMC, Ret.), was Jake's promoting officer. I got to remove his 2nd Lt. gold bars and pin on his new silver 1st Lt. bars. I'm so blessed to be apart of this crazy journey, and I wanted to share some of the pictures and memories from this special day with y'all.
There is nothing more honorable than those that lay down their lives for their country. Thank you Jake — and all of our military men and women — for all you do to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. This lovely poem written by Richard Lovelace beautifully puts into words the bravery and honor displayed by our fighting men and women. I'm proud to call one of them my own.
To Lucasta, Going to the Wars
Tell me not, sweet, I am unkind
Tell me not, sweet, I am unkind
That from nunnery
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind,
To war and arms I fly.
True, a mew mistress now I chase,
The first foe in the field; And with a stronger faith embrace
A sword, a horse, a shield.
As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honor more.
-Richard Lovelace
You may have to click on some of the pictures below to see the full size.
You may have to click on some of the pictures below to see the full size.
Officer to be promoted: front and center.
Jake standing at attention while "The Minstrel Boy" plays in the background.
Pinning on Jake's 1st Lt. silver bars (with care).
Jake raising his right hand to take the oath of office.
Our pastor-teacher, Maj. Glen Melin (USMC, Ret.) administering the oath of office to Jake.
The Marine Corp's newest 1st Lt.
Maj. Glen Melin (USMC, Ret.) and 1st. Lt. Jake Frederick.
Jake, Kiley & Glen after church.
Donna, Larry, Kiley, Jake, Jill and Glen after the promotion at church.
Donna & Kiley class picture.
Kiley and Jake. I just love him.
Until next time ... xo. ki.
