Swinging the car door open, I immediately squinted at the blinding light. Sunshine scorched my face but the cool sea breeze kissed it in favor. Placing my sunglasses with comfort, I uncontrollably let my mouth drop at the scene. The billion dollar, 510 foot long steel battleship was the most massive structure my eyes ascended upon. At its head, the Jason Dunham held a missile launcher accompanied by 8 harpoon missiles and two helicopters at its end. Towering over the ocean, the ship scanned the vacant waters, desperate to break its bonds. The unsurpassed thrill of the experience was mounting the ship. Flags embellished almost every inch of the Jason Dunham, especially along the railings and the ramp. A sign: “USS Jason Dunham, DDG 109, Semper Fidelis Semper Fortis,” hung from the gangway. Jason Dunham’s colors were clear. My country’s colors were clear. Yet, a unique flag caught my traveling eye. Striped horizontally bold and blood red, I read in symbols: “ J, (cobra), D, (below:) DON’T TREAD ON ME”. My Dad advised me it meant, “ Join or Die”. Unite with the cause and actions of America or die for nothing and with nothing.
I sensed the strong sea saltiness of the ocean and could not wait to smell the engine smoke soar from the heart of the Jason Dunham. Yet, time rushed away. Every time I encountered the collection of flowers dedicated to Jason Dunham, they doubled. The aroma filled the air with flourishing sweetness and faithful loyalty in the cause of our nation.
Countless guests and Navy soldiers attended. They recorded 5,000 guests in the ceremony, yet, I unquestionably witnessed at least a million. Yet, there was a unique spirit in the crowd. Everyone was quiet, at peace, and confident. The words I heard from people were either whispered or proclaimed at their minimum. There was no need or anxiety to excessively verbalize, but a peace in remaining speechless in the sight of their country’s colors. A true loyalty presided. Various speakers made speeches in the ceremony, but Jason’s mother, Debra Dunham, finally spoke as the most memorable. Every word was captured by the audience since there were few compared to her irrepressible sobs. Her volume increased gradually in the progression of her oration. Ending the ceremony, she commanded the crew, “BRING THE USS JASON DUNHAM TO LIFE!”
“SIR, YES SIR!”
The audience roared in affirmation, while I solely cried in awe. The ramp raddled with hastening soldiers boarding the Jason Dunham. Its words of enduring Latin echoed in my mind, “Semper Fidelis Semper Fortis- Always Faithful Always Strong.” That is how Jason Dunham reveals the meaning of a true Marine of America. With the deafening boom of the canon, she sailed off as Always Faithful and Always Strong.