The true meaning of “Semper Fidelis”

Good day all, this is the Angry Systems Administrator. I was going through our Facebook page when something caught my eye It was the story of a 12 year old Indiana boy with Leukemia named Cody Green. Cody wanted to be a Marine. Cody was diagnosed with Leukemia at 22 months and fought it all his life. He had beaten the disease three times in his life and was cancer free. However, complications had set in after his last bout with Chemotherapy. Here are some of the details from the Daily Mail:

Throughout his short life, young Cody Green had admired the bravery of the U.S. Marines. But after years spent battling leukaemia, it was the youngster’s courage fighting cancer which inspired his heroes to honour his bravery. The 12-year-old from Indiana had suffered from the disease throughout his life. First diagnosed just before his second birthday, he had beaten leukaemia three times – but the chemotherapy had reduced his immune system and, last weekend, he died from a fungus which attacked his brain. And standing guard outside his hospital room that night was a local Marine named Mark Dolfini who was so moved by Cody’s continued cancer battle that he decreed the 12-year-old to be a honorary member of the elite military unit.

Cody’s illness and his deep respect for the U.S. Military, especially the United States Marine Corp drew the attention of the Marines.

The youngster’s father David Snowberger told local station WLFI: ‘They decided Cody, with the strength and honour and courage he showed through the whole thing, he should be a Marine.’ When Cody’s condition took a turn for the worse on Friday night, his family got in touch with a local Marine who said that he would rush to the hospital to be with the boy during his final hours. Former Marine Mark Dolfini, 39, who was introduced to Cody through Mr Snowberger, presented the boy with a flag and Marine navigator wings. ‘Unfortunately, Cody was not awake, he was on a ventilator, but we believe he knew,’ Ms Ford said, having been at the hospital at the time of the ceremony.

Cody passed away that night. Sgt. Delfin stood at attention outside Cody’s hospital room for 8 hours as a guard of honor.

In keeping with the Corps motto of Semper Fidelis, latin for always faithful, the Marine stood post outside of Cody’s door all night, saluting Mrs Green as she went in and out of the room, right up until Cody passed on Saturday. Mr Dolfini, who was initially hesitant to go public for fear it would take away from Cody’s story, spoke with MailIOnline, telling how he knew he had to spend the night guarding Cody’s door because it was what he deserved. ‘There was no question that was my calling that night,’ he said. ‘I didn’t give myself a time constraint and I knew I was going to be there as long as I could be.’ ‘The title Marine is a revered designation that affords a special distinction to those who earn it. ‘Therefore, only the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) can officially designate an individual as an “Honorary Marine”.’

Cody passed away in April. A memorial was held for him Carroll Elementary School and the United States Marines a full military funeral, with a color guard, tap, and 21-gun salute.

The United States Marine Corp motto is Semper Fidelis. This is Latin for “Always Faithful” or “Always Loyal. ((Semper Fidelis))” Cody showed his loyalty to the Marines and they honored him the best way they could. I never served in the Military, let alone the Marines, but I have nothing but respect for the honor, courage and heroism of those who do. The Marines have always been there when our country needed them, and they have always been there for people like Cody Green. One of the many good things the Marines do is help children. For years, actually decades, they have run a program for children called Toys for Tots. They are always looking for donations and help. Please go to their web site and donate a few dollars. Thank you

~The Angry Systems Administrator~

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