A Marine corporal from a family of Marines welcomed her brother into the Corps during a ceremony after the final test of boot camp, a moment caught on video by their father, a Marine veteran. The images capture the emotional moment Cpl. Taylor Hairfield stepped into a ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island to present her brother, Kevin Christensen, with her own Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, or EGA, after his boot camp class had completed the grueling Crucible.
For all Marine recruits, completing the Crucible is the final step of recruit training and the moment when they know they can call themselves a Marine. Christensen is now the 7th in his family to reach that moment.
Marines are presented the emblem usually by a Drill Instructor or other training official, when they complete the multi-day training event at the end of recruit training (another Marine can be seen awarding EGAs behind the pair in the formation). The exercise is meant to test recruits physically, mentally, and emotionally, as Christensen’s reaction makes clear. The newly-christened Marine struggles to hold his composure as Hairfield congratulates him, passes words of encouragement, pokes him in the chest and gives him a brief hug.
First highlighted by Reddit Wednesday, the emotional moment was captured on video at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, by the two Marines’ dad, Kevin Christensen on Aug. 10, 2024. Taylor posted the same video five days later, with the onscreen text: “proudest big sister in the world.”
“Giving my little brother his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. The emblem that represents our Marine Corps. It was the same one I received just a few years ago, on the same parade deck,” Hairfield wrote. “He’s the 7th Marine in our family, and I’m so glad I got to do this before I leave the country for the next 3 years. Semper Fi!”
The EGA comprises an Eagle representing the United States, a globe to denote worldwide service, and an anchor to pay homage to the service’s naval roots. Once someone earns their EGA, they can officially call themselves a Marine.
“I’ve watched you grow up from this little snot-nosed, annoying kid, into now a United States Marine. While I know the days of arguing over the Xbox controller and Minecraft are over, I couldn’t be more excited to watch you flourish in this world,” Taylor said in the post. “Your career will be nothing short of amazing. You’re kick ass, and I have no doubts that you’ll be a stellar Marine. I love you, kid. There isn’t a prouder big sister out there. Enjoy that Warrior’s breakfast!”
Subscribe to Task & Purpose today. Get the latest military news and culture in your inbox daily.
The symbol has a long history behind it as the Marine Corps emblem. You will see it painted on walkways and walls throughout Marine bases, and don’t you dare get caught walking or standing on it, even if it’s on the sidewalk.
The EGA’s appearance dates back to the Marine Corps’ inception in 1775. Though it hasn’t remained the same design over the following generations of Marines, the EGA’s hallmark symbolism can be found throughout its history.
We have no doubt that this newly minted Marine will drive on, knowing that his family’s long lineage of Marines is cheering him on.