7 Young Marines Bow Their Heads In Prayer. What They're Thankful For? This Is Beautiful.
By Dreamer
Thanksgiving is a time for each and every one of us to be grateful, especially for the men and women in uniform who fight so bravely to keep us safe.
When we give thanks this year, it is vitally important that we keep the incredible members of the military in our hearts and in our prayers.
Some soldiers are fortunate enough to be with their families for the holidays, like this marine who surprised his mother for Thanksgiving. But not all of these men and women will have such an opportunity.
For those troops who remain stationed abroad during the holidays, they have to miss out on time with family and loved ones. But, luckily, they don’t have to necessarily miss out on a home-cooked meal, companionship, and giving thanks.
Marine Cpl. Alex Martinez knew he and the other members of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment wouldn’t get to go home for Thanksgiving. Stationed in Afghanistan, there was much work to be done, even on a holiday such as Thanksgiving.
But Cpl. Martinez had a surprise in mind — one that absolutely melted my heart and reminded me just how amazing these men and women in uniform truly are.
Are you thankful for our brave servicemen and servicewomen? Please SHARE if you’ll be saying a special prayer for them this Thanksgiving!
Cpl. Martinez served in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Afghanistan.
Knowing that he and his battalion would be unable to return home for Thanksgiving, he planned a little surprise.
At the end of his six-hour shift, Cpl. Martinez invited the members of his squad back to his barracks room…
Cpl. Martinez surprised them with a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal!
He said that even though he isn’t related to the members of his squad by blood, he thinks of each and every one of them as a brother.
He wanted to give each Marine the chance to experience a little bit of home with a Thanksgiving dinner, shared together.
Cpl. Martinez put out a plastic table in his barracks and served what limited food was available: steak, turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn bread stuffing.
The squad gathered around the table, held hands, and said grace together.
The impromptu Thanksgiving meal was a true demonstration of the bond and brotherhood that exists between fellow Marines.
Cpl. Martinez said, “These Marines are my brothers. They are as much a part of my family as anyone.”
The members of the squad said they were grateful for this chance to come together and bond further as a unit.
Team leader Cpl. Kenton Zerr said, “It’s nice to be able to bring a piece of home to Afghanistan.”
“Even though the food wasn’t as good as our families’ cooking, the intent was still the same. We all got together and bonded. I’m going to remember this Thanksgiving for a while.”
Following in a tradition that Cpl. Martinez grew up with in Arcata, California, each of the soldiers went around and said one thing that they were thankful for.
Cpl. Martinez said that Thanksgiving had always been special to his family and, though he missed being at home for the holidays, he was happy to spend the time with his fellow soldiers.
While the brave men and women who fight for our country abroad are no longer strangers to impromptu meals eaten whenever and wherever possible, this Thanksgiving dinner was a beautiful slice of home, and an incredible reminder of all that we have to be thankful for each and every day.
Cpl. Martinez and the members of his battalion certainly deserve our deepest gratitude and respect. And this year, we should all remember to give thanks for their dedication, sacrifice, and service.
What do you think of this incredible surprise Thanksgiving dinner? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this important reminder about all that we have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving!
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