Masonic and Marine Corps Medallions

[Marshall J Biesen]

I received a lot of flak for my truck and my wife's car having Marine and Masonic bumper stickers and medallions that I earned in my lifetime. I was also observed at Streetwaves Tattoo A LOT. What I do not understand is the animosity towards my freedom of choice. To be a Mason. A Marine, a member of service organizations and charitable organizations. This is America and I fought for those rights to be free to display my accomplishments. I was called "Gay" in one post with my name mentioned by someone called "sewer rat" (his name says a lot of how I value his comment). Am I tattoed? Yes, rather heavily. Do I wear 6 earrings? Yes, I do. I consider myself an individual and enjoy being a free thinker. "If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away." Thoreau meant that one should do things in one's own way regardless of societal norms and expectations. I find that this is lacking here in many posts. Certainly gravedigger hears his own beat, why can't the rest of us without complaint?

[drifter]

i have known marshall for a few years and am also a fellow mason and anyone who has meet him can certainly tell he is noway gay in fact a manly man who proudly served his country in war time to sit and say things of such about people you dont even know is profound and says alot about you.and masons is a honorable fraternity that in no way is anything bad..

[No Religion]

Classic narcissist...still trying to draw attention to yourself. I will worship you, your majesty, because you are a veteran.

[TopCat1]

Marshall J Biesen wrote:

I received a lot of flak for my truck and my wife's car having Marine and Masonic bumper stickers and medallions that I earned in my lifetime. I was also observed at Streetwaves Tattoo A LOT. What I do not understand is the animosity towards my freedom of choice. To be a Mason. A Marine, a member of service organizations and charitable organizations. This is America and I fought for those rights to be free to display my accomplishments. I was called "Gay" in one post with my name mentioned by someone called "sewer rat" (his name says a lot of how I value his comment). Am I tattoed? Yes, rather heavily. Do I wear 6 earrings? Yes, I do. I consider myself an individual and enjoy being a free thinker. "If a man loses pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured, or far away." Thoreau meant that one should do things in one's own way regardless of societal norms and expectations. I find that this is lacking here in many posts. Certainly gravedigger hears his own beat, why can't the rest of us without complaint?

Regardless of all the things you experience, just remember this: There a two kinds of Great People on Earth. One is a Marine, and the others that wish they were, or want to be. The rest don't count.

[Redneck]

TopCat1 wrote:

<quoted text>
Regardless of all the things you experience, just remember this: There a two kinds of Great People on Earth. One is a Marine, and the others that wish they were, or want to be. The rest don't count.

I'm not a marine, never wanted to be in the military. I'm subhuman according to you?

[TopCat1]

Redneck wrote:

<quoted text>
I'm not a marine, never wanted to be in the military. I'm subhuman according to you?

If you would read between the lines, you know the Point I was trying to make! Nothing wrong with being a Marine, and he should not let the Critics bother him. No, you don't have to serve to be a Great American. I'm sure you wouldn't be the type to ridicule and call someone names because they served either. Sorry to mislead you.

[Marshall J Biesen]

No Religion wrote:

Classic narcissist...still trying to draw attention to yourself. I will worship you, your majesty, because you are a veteran.

When I returned in '67, there were no parades or "Hometown Heroes" and it was tough to find a job with my Marine experience on my resume. Am I narcissitic? No, just stating the fact that I fought during a time when my country thought was best forgotten. So, if you care to worship me, I would appreciate you groveling on your knees because you never had the courage to stand beside me. Once a Marine, always a Marine. It is a "Brotherhood" only the few can claim. You are not a member so please refrain from commenting.

Semper Fidelis,
"Your Majesty"

[Marshall J Biesen]

TopCat1 wrote:

<quoted text>
Regardless of all the things you experience, just remember this: There a two kinds of Great People on Earth. One is a Marine, and the others that wish they were, or want to be. The rest don't count.

OohRah!!!!!!!!

[Shriner]

Marshall, don't let them get to you, you're just feeding them.

[Fellow Patriot]

This post addressed to Marshall.

I am a fellow veteran who served honorably in
Vietnam and I SALUTE your

HONOR INTEGRITY COURAGE and VALOR

I was not a Marine but I am DAMN PROUD of
the U.S. Marine Corps and their adherence
to the principles of SEMPER FIDELIS.

Stand tall and stand proud.

I'm proud of you.

Our "colors" don't run, burn, or hide!

[New2WP]

I had to comment on this post.
I and so many other Americans are proud of the Marines and all other branches of the military. I and my family thank everyone past and present that protect us, and our freedom.
I currently have a family member that is serving in the Marines right now. He just got his papers to be deployed. I am so very proud of him and scared to death for him, as I am for any one of our people serving in the military.
There is just one little problem that I have about Marines.
I don't know why, but you have a lot of marines that when they get out they seem to think that they are better then anyone else. They have such big heads on their shoulders. They act as if everyone owes them everything. They constantly push the fact that they were a Marine.
Why is that ?
Yes, I know that their training is harder then other branches and I know that they are proud of their accomplishments, but does that give them the right to constantly throw their ego onto everyone else ?
I know several veteran marines that are just obnoxious and they are in all age groups, So why the attitudes ? Why should someone like myself be subjected to be made to feel like I am nothing because I didn't serve in the Marines ? Why are other veterans in different branches of the military made to feel like they aren't as good as the Marines ?
Is this arrogance something that is taught in the Marines ?
I mean no disrespect to anyone now serving or a veteran of any branch of the military. I am proud of all of our military and past and present, and I respect you and I pray for you .

[patriot]

New2WP wrote:

I had to comment on this post.
I and so many other Americans are proud of the Marines and all other branches of the military. I and my family thank everyone past and present that protect us, and our freedom.
I currently have a family member that is serving in the Marines right now. He just got his papers to be deployed. I am so very proud of him and scared to death for him, as I am for any one of our people serving in the military.
There is just one little problem that I have about Marines.
I don't know why, but you have a lot of marines that when they get out they seem to think that they are better then anyone else. They have such big heads on their shoulders. They act as if everyone owes them everything. They constantly push the fact that they were a Marine.
Why is that ?
Yes, I know that their training is harder then other branches and I know that they are proud of their accomplishments, but does that give them the right to constantly throw their ego onto everyone else ?
I know several veteran marines that are just obnoxious and they are in all age groups, So why the attitudes ? Why should someone like myself be subjected to be made to feel like I am nothing because I didn't serve in the Marines ? Why are other veterans in different branches of the military made to feel like they aren't as good as the Marines ?
Is this arrogance something that is taught in the Marines ?
I mean no disrespect to anyone now serving or a veteran of any branch of the military. I am proud of all of our military and past and present, and I respect you and I pray for you .

great post! i have nothing but respect for veterans. but what is the deal with marines? it needs to stop. stop having attitudes...and i'll respect you as much as air force, army, navy, coast guard, national guard, border patrol, cia, dea, fbi, homeland secuity, etc...

[Marshall Biesen MARINE]

I will try and put this into perspective. There are no ex-Marines. Once a Marine, always a Marine, Semper Fi 'til I die, etc. In a joking sense, Marines typically belittle those who were not Marines. This should be done with humor, not attitude. If it is done with attitude, it is disrespectful and should cease.

At my veterans organizations, this type of banter takes place all the time, but it is not malicious. Marine is a title earned, never given. We also jave the BEST commercials. Yes, we do endure a difficult boot camp, difficult enough that if we join another branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, our going through their boot camp is waived.

The Marines are and always will be a "Brotherhood" due to our "Esprit de Corps". We shared a common, unique experience and take great pride in it. It diminishes that when someone is disrespectful to others that served.

Permit me to render a Hand Salute to all who served in any capacity. It is well deserved. I apologize for the arrogance of an ignorant few.

Semper Fidelis,
USMC 1961-1967

[Proud Marine Wife]

I just came across this post. My husband and I are from West Plains now stationed in va but I can say that once a marine always a marine! they are a brotherhood and I for one have seen it myself..also the marines today Including my husband do have big heads and they are taught that from day one at bootcamp! The only reason I have been able to get from them is there is tons of men and women who go to bootcamp but never leave as Marines! Im proud of every branch and will forever stand behind one and all! Thank You Marshall for serving our country! You and everyone else who has ever served our country has earned the title Hero!

[Marshall Biesen MARINE]

Proud Marine Wife wrote:

I just came across this post. My husband and I are from West Plains now stationed in va but I can say that once a marine always a marine! they are a brotherhood and I for one have seen it myself..also the marines today Including my husband do have big heads and they are taught that from day one at bootcamp! The only reason I have been able to get from them is there is tons of men and women who go to bootcamp but never leave as Marines! Im proud of every branch and will forever stand behind one and all! Thank You Marshall for serving our country! You and everyone else who has ever served our country has earned the title Hero!

Thank you Ma'am. Very well said. I totally agree!!!!!!!!

Semper Fidelis
Marshall
Vietnam Veterans of America