"Little Yellow Footprints" By Ken Riege USAF 1985 – 1993
Recruits receive upon first stepping upon them. Here is the one from Parris Island Recruit Depot: Once recruits find a spot on the footprints, a drill This story is dedicated to all those who have had the instructor barks a well-rehearsed speech: greatest honor of calling themselves “Marines.” “You are now aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot I must admit that I had never known of the “Fabled Parris Island, South Carolina, and you have just taken Yellow Footprints” until I had visited a friend the first step toward becoming a member of the world’s in Gainesville, TX who fought with the 1/5 (1st finest fighting force -- the United States Marine Corps. Battalion/5th Marines) during Vietnam. He had a ... Tens of thousands of Marines began outstanding floormat (like the one pictured here) in his garage. service to our country on the very footprints where you I had asked him about it and he said that when Marine Recruits arrived at either MCRD (Marine Crops are standing. You will carry on their proud tradition.” I would find it safe to say that the Marine Corps Recruit Depot) at Parris Island, SC or in San Diego, Recruits at MCRD San Diego receive the same speech, these are the first steps taken to becoming a Marine. I found that rather interesting but have since come to just a little different wording. I have had the honor of meeting quite a few Marines know how much these “Little Yellow Footprints” mean during my life and it still amazes me the fellowship and how important they are. In doing some research I found that they date back to they have with other Marines. Myself, when I see another Air Force Veteran I will acknowledge them, the early 1960’s, and while not that old of a tradition (which the military is known for) it has become one of offer a handshake (or in today’s world it’s now a fist or elbow bump or even an air high five), but when the most endeared and most feared. a Marine comes across another Marine, well it’s a I also came across the speech that all Marine Corps By Ken Riege USAF 1985 – 1993
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November 2020
