The Beginning At Last

Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (6WSP) #124: 2/8/25

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by

Kevin
in , ,
Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (6WSP) #124 – Feb 8, 2025

This is my reply to Shweta’s 6WSP for 2/8/25.

Check out her blog for this, and other, great posts!

Prompt for Week #124 (Feb 8, 2025 – Feb 14, 2025)

Pride

Take pride in what you accomplish.

In my life, there are several things I have been proud of.

Being a father, of course, is number one on that list.

The fact that I worked my way from the ground up in my chosen industries to ever-increasing roles of responsibility is another.

But, the pride associated with serving my country during a war is a unique one all it’s own.

The United States Marine Corps are called “The Few, The Proud” for a reason. It’s definitely not for everyone.

I joined The Corps because at that point in my life, I had to prove something to myself.

And I did.

I found my limits and learned to push past them.

And no matter what, no one can ever take that from me.

In our lives, we are all called to answer a challenge of one form or another.

I will never sit here and claim I was perfect, but I am grateful I found mine, and I am damned proud of it.

And I am damned proud of all of you for stepping up and answering yours, whatever it may be.

And if you have not found yours yet, you will. And you will step up and face it with that same pride.

Semper Fidelis.

©2025, The Beginning At Last

Comments

46 responses to “Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (6WSP) #124: 2/8/25”

  1. Violet Lentz Avatar
    Violet Lentz

    A part of me leans toward the military being a requirement, but I am torn about the part in which we find ourselves actively at war. So many would benefit so much by learning the disciplines inculcated by the military. Just me thinking out loud. Great write by the way.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Some would definitely benefit, and yes, there are moral implications with that also, but unfortunately, that is all luck of the draw. Some serve their whole time without any conflict, and others seem to end up in every one of them.
      Glad you enjoyed it, thank you, Violet!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Priti Avatar
    Priti

    Everyone should be proud on themselves 💪 I think so. Well shared.Now the prompt answer,”My pride felt me great bride .” 😁😁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Agreed, everyone should be proud of themselves indeed! 💪

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Priti Avatar
        Priti

        🙏

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
    Ephemeral Encounters

    Great post Kevin !
    Sometimes we forget how far we have come and what we have overcome.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Very true, Maggie. Sometimes we have to stop and mind ourselves. we have often conquered much more than we realize. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
        Ephemeral Encounters

        Absolutely !
        I take my hat off to you for serving in the forces Kevin.
        My father did too, and yet he always told he was not brave.
        Well done !!🙏🙏

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thank you, Maggie. Much appreciated.
        I think we often don’t see ourselves as anything more than doing our jobs, hence the lack of credit we give ourselves.
        Might be why your dad said that. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
        Ephemeral Encounters

        And that is because you are humble Kevin, just like my father.
        There are men who could learn a few lessons from you my friend!

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thank you, Maggie. 😊
        I am sure there’s a few things I could show them NOT to do as well. 😄

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Ephemeral Encounters Avatar
        Ephemeral Encounters

        Lol 😁 I could too to the ladies of younger years.
        Such is the wisdom of age Kevin 😅

        Liked by 1 person

  4. annemariedemyen Avatar
    annemariedemyen

    It’s good that you came out of the marines stronger and proud of it. It seems that here (in Canada) there are a lot of people who serve for a few years and then come out of it broken and feeling our country should take care of them for the rest of their life. That is so different from when I was young and many of the adults I knew had been to war and had come home proud and ready to make the most of their good fortune to have survived and able to return to rebuild their lives.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      There are definitely a lot of things that could be done to better care for veterans here in the States. The ones who truly need it do not always get what they need.
      I was fortunate to come out unscathed. So many others are not as lucky.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Not all who wander are lost Avatar
    Not all who wander are lost

    Well said and thank you for your service

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you very much, Sarah. I greatly appreciate that. 🙏

      Like

      Reply
  6. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Thank you for your service, Kevin ❤️ it can’t be said enough 🙏 and also, I truly believe if more people went through some of things veterans have to just simply grow the hell up, there would be a lot more appreciation for the life and freedom they’ve give us today

    Just my two sense though 😆
    Thank you again 😘 ❤️ 🥰

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, m’lady 💗💗
      It’s a different time, for sure. I often wonder how some folks today would handle some of that stuff. I have a feeling not so great lol

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        So true. Also, I made a typo 🤪 but you’re very welcome. 🙏 please know it does not go unnoticed ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        No need to worry about typos. I can navigate them pretty easily after making more than enough of my own. 😄
        Thank you 💗💗

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
      Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

      Right on, sister! ✊🏼🇺🇸

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Laura Avatar
        Laura

        😎 🙏 🇺🇸

        Liked by 2 people

  7. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    Thank you for your service, Brother. Your journey shows incredible strength and dedication. We all have our own battles to face, and it’s empowering to know that we can rise to meet them, just like you did.

    Be Blessed and Be a Blessing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Brother.
      Everyone is indeed capable, and should be extremely proud of themselves for conquering their challenges.
      We inspire each other! 💪

      Like

      Reply
  8. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
    Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

    Semper Fi!
    My dad fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He didn’t like to talk much about his tour of duty but one thing I know for sure: he was damn proud to be an immigrant serving his new country which he loved very much. Thanks to my dad, to you and to all members of the military, past and present.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Laura Avatar
      Laura

      Very well said ❤️
      My grandfather was a marine, lots of military members in our family 🙏 we should ever be so grateful for their sacrifices

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
        Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

        Absolutely! 🇺🇸

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      My thanks to your dad and all the other veterans out there as well!
      My grandfather and father each served. My grandfather in WW2 as well.
      He did not wish to speak of it much either. Nor did many WW2 vets I encountered.

      Were it not for them, life would have likely been very, very different for all of us.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
        Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

        My dad served before I was born. Back then, only single men or married men without children were being drafted. My mom & dad had a baby boy born long before me; he passed away at the age of 2 in 1943. As soon as the death certificate was filed, my dad was called up, leaving my mom alone with no baby and no husband. It was very rough for her. I was born 6 years after my dad returned from the war and only saw pix of him from those days. I never saw him as a soldier and it’s difficult for me to imagine him as anything other than the dad I knew who worked for the post office and took me for ice cream. 👨🏻

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I can’t image how it must have been for her. That’s a lot of resilience right there. My hat off to her, and your dad for serving, of course.

        Funny enough, when it was time to go to the Gulf, my platoon commander was trying to see if I had to go over there, being an only child. There’s certain circumstances that apply, I guess.

        I told him straight up that regardless if I could stay stateside or not, I had no desire to do so. I couldn’t stand the thought of my unit going overseas and possibly risking lives while I was home safe and sound. If that had come to pass I’d have had a very hard time looking myself in the mirror.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar
        Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller

        I totally get that, Kevin. Someone with less scruples and sense of duty would have jumped at that opportunity. Kudos to you!

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        Thank you, Nancy. I just wouldn’t feel right at all doing that.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Destiny Avatar
    Destiny

    most admirable and said so well, Chief…🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, Lady Destiny.
      We are all capable of greatness in our own ways, and should be proud of ourselves more often. 🙏

      Like

      Reply
  10. Spark of Inspiration Avatar
    Spark of Inspiration

    Wow, I learned something new. Thank you for your service, Kevin! My Uncle was in the Marines, my other one in the Army. “The Few, The Proud!” Yes!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Awesome! Semper Fi to him, and respect for Army personnel as well.
      (I’m not supposed to say that, because clearly, service rivalries 😄😄)
      But, kidding aside, my thanks for your kind words and my thanks to them as well.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Spark of Inspiration Avatar
        Spark of Inspiration

        LOL, it’s OK, a little rivalry is good!!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (6WSP) #124: 2/8/25 – Los Angeles fire 🔥

    […] Saturday Six Word Story Prompt (6WSP) #124: 2/8/25 […]

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  12. joannerambling Avatar
    joannerambling

    Everyone should be able to proud of themselves, but sadly many are not, I also feel people should let others around them know that they are proud of them.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Yes, they really should. A lot of people, myself included at times, don’t always do much to own our triumphs. I am sure many can relate.

      Like

      Reply
  13. phindacure Avatar
    phindacure

    Great post, and as others have said, thank you for your service and for challenging us to find and overcome our obstacle’s.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you, my friend. I greatly appreciate that. We are all extremely capable, and we should be proud of our efforts and our triumphs. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that.

      Like

      Reply
  14. thomasstigwikman Avatar
    thomasstigwikman

    That is wonderful and thank you for your service

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Thank you so much, Thomas. I truly appreciate your kind words. 🙏

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. markwayup Avatar
    markwayup

    ooh rah Semper Fi

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Kevin Avatar
      Kevin

      Indeed 💪

      Like

      Reply

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