177/365: Street Combat

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We couldn't imagine this in the relative safety of America but there are plenty of places in this world where you could round a bend in the road and walk right into it. Be grateful.

These Marines rode up to the edge of the Mississippi in inflatable Zodiac boats, jumped into the water and waded ashore with automatic weapons at the ready. Makes me want to watch Mary Poppins or something.

There are daredevils on St. Louis Daily Photo.

176/365: Drop On In

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At the beginning of the Marines' mock assault yesterday, six men jumped out of a helicopter and - what's the right term? - used paragliders to float down to the lawn under the Arch. The announcer said they do this with great precision and are able to land on a 10 square meter target. As Muhammad Ali used to say, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

17/365: The Few, The Proud

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Back at a Veterans Day parade, a squad of Marines hits the deck in the middle of Tucker Boulevard and shows what they're made of. Notice that the sergeant has his fingers closed and is doing his push-ups on his knuckles. Tough as nails.