Alva Review-Courier -

"No man left behind, always faithful." The United States Marine Corps is a force in readiness; always prepared to fight anywhere, anytime. Marine Corps exemplifies the archetypal epic hero in four ways. Marines show that they are responsible, risk death for the greater good, perform brave deeds, and a hero to many.

Since Nov. 10, 1775, Marines have been around fighting for our freedom. It is their fighting spirit that separates them from any other branch. They are trained hard and have a lot of knowledge. Trained in mental fitness as well as physical fitness creates a readiness to take on any battle, which is what gives them the advantage in battle.

Marine are ready to go anytime, anyplace. They have fought in every war that the United States has had and will keep doing so. They fight for our freedom to keep us from death, and die themselves.

World War I or the "Great War," was fought from July 28, 1914, to Nov. 11, 1918. It was fought by many solders including the Marines. Many Marines/soldiers gave their lives so that we have the United States as we know it.

Johan Gland is an important Marine who has performed brave deeds. Gland enlisted in the corps around December 1941 when Pearl Harbor was happening. He was the first American to orbit earth on Feb. 20, 1962. He retired a colonel and became a senator from Ohio. He is one of many that have had a big impact in American society.

"No man left behind." This a well-known Marines quote stating that they will leave no man behind. The Marines have to be the best of the best, first ones in, last ones out. The Marines are so brave to keep us free to let one's family live in good health without even knowing us. The corps will turn anyone into a man if they are willing to try hard and work hard.

The Marine Corps shows all of these four epic hero characteristics: responsible, risk death for the greater good, perform brave deeds, and a hero to many.