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The gentleman holding the umbrella really does not look like rain gear to me



Heard them discussing this on radio yesterday. Created an uproar. There are regulations defining proper uniforms, and male Marines are not allowed to have umbrellas (female Marines are allowed). So the Marine above was apparently in violation of the regs.

I suppose "following orders" would justify it, but the whole picture speaks of disrespecting the Marine. He is not a servant. I am embarrassed for him, and for his fellow Marines.

I'll bet that Leatherneck was wishing this could be the picture:

I too felt a sense of disgust...a Marine holding an umbrella like a servant...why couldn't Obama hold his own darn umbrella or if he had to have a servant do it, why not Valerie Jarrett...?

That Marine is there as a guard, think Bingazi or wherever. He is not the presidents umbrella boy. That is his highness degrading his servants.

What else would we expect from a man who holds the military in such disregard? The Marines assigned to that detail are far too professional and dedicated to do anything but put up with his bull. That said, I agree that they might like to hold a sign like the above.

A corporal holding an umbrella, and a lance corporal holding one for the foreign dignitary. What a mess.

Back when I was a member of this Presidential Honor Guard (early '60s) silly things took place too. Hiding behind a downed tree at Camp David when Jackie and the kids were using the pool. Four hours in a pile of vines, some poison ivy, and an ant pile. Can't let the little ones see what is going on.

Standing on a bus from S.E. DC to the Naval Academy for the graduation where JFK was speaking. Cannot let a crease get in your trousers. A great time in lots of stop and go in traffic. Try climbing in and out of a bus without bending you knees.

Whole platoon lined up along both sides of the road from the highway exit to Mount Vernon. Prime Minister of India was getting a state dinner, and we had to be properly lined up and ready to 'present arms' for them to arrive and leave. Hard to tell how long dinner would last, so just keep us standing by the road just in case they left before the scheduled time. It only took about four hours.

Lots more stories, maybe for another time....