Tuesday, 08 November 2005
No such thing
Memo to Brendan Miniter: Marines don’t like being called “former Marines.” “Once a Marine, always a Marine” is how they view it. Having known a few Marines in my time, perhaps “retired Marine” would be a better term in the future.
posted on November 8, 2005 9:09 AMSounds like a bunch of conceited B.S. to me. If they're still ready for active duty, okay, fine: but I sure have no intention of referring to a 90-year-old fart as anything other than a former marine.
Besides, if our country's leaders are fine with "former president," then Marines should have no problem with it.
Posted by: Lee Bennett 
at November 8, 2005 9:24 AM
Actually, I believe it's also "Once President, always President." If you were to meet President Clinton, the tradition is that you would acknowledge him as such. "Nice to meet you, President Clinton," I would lie when I shook his hand. I could be wrong.
It's obvious you don't know too many Marines, Lee. Your comments would be grounds for a butt-whuppin'. ;-)
Posted by: retrophisch at November 8, 2005 4:49 PM