(Video) Marine Corps FRO Reflects on 9/11

Except for the sound of wind rustling the leaves of the trees at 5th Marine Regiment Memorial Park, it was relatively quiet at Camp San Mateo aboard Camp Pendleton. One of the walls dedicated to lost Marines sat in the corner. At first glance the ledge on the far side looked as if it had been littered with empty beer cans. Would Marines desecrate such meaningful ground? 

“This is the side that kind of stays hidden from public view,” said Kim Merkel, family readiness officer (FRO) for Regimental Combat Team 5, the infantry arm of 5th Marine Regiment.

Merkel serves as the go-between for Marines and their families—to help deployed troops keep their minds on the fight and help allow the homefront to rest assured.

Nearing the other side of the wall, it became clear that the placement of this detritus was intentional and there was more of it. Twelve-, 22- and 40-ounce beer cans and bottles—some opened, some not—lined the ledge. Sun-worn beer labels marked the drinks that these fallen Marines would share with their comrades in times of peace, when at home and not deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

“Some Marines come and leave a little memento, a beer here for their buddy that they lost,” Merkel said. “This is the solemn side.”

A closer look revealed other trinkets wedged between the beer containers—an American flag, a crimson Marine Corps baseball cap, a bullet, challenge coins, rank insignia, service ribbons and medals, braided cords and a Catholic saint candle.

“9/11 was 10 years ago,” said Merkel. “A lot of our service members who joined did so knowing we’re in a state of war.”

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