PARRIL ISLAND, SC (CNN) -- A Navy veteran who survived a year in Vietnam had one wish: to see his son become a Marine. But after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, he thought he'd never see it happen.
"I've done this trip a million times in my mind," Charles Burns said.
On Friday his wish came true. The 65-year-old Navy veteran is dying. But not even a series of strokes, diabetes and a worsening heart condition would stop him from making the trek from Massachusetts to South Carolina to see his boy.
"He's an amazing kid," Burns said. "There isn't anything he's done, or will do, that he doesn't excel in."
With his wife Lisa at his side, the proud parents endured the South Carolina heat wave to watch Ryan from the stands. Charles even found the strength to stand during the national anthem.
"Every child, whether its a boy or a girl, when they say they want to be a Marine, or want to be something other than just a civilian, that means a lot to me," Burns said.
Military service is a Burns family tradition. Charles joined the Navy following high school in 1965. He served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. Ryan's grandfather served in the Army during World War II. Now its mission accomplished for Ryan, who's officially a U.S. Marine, and his terminally ill father.
"Me and my dad had a bet," Ryan said. "When I came here to Parris Island, it was 'I'll finish boot camp as long as you make it my graduation.' So we both had mission accomplished. And we're here today. So I couldn't ask for anything more."
Ryan said he doesn't know what keeps his father going. As for Charles, it's one day at a time.
"Have a little pride in yourself," Charles said. "And stick to it, whatever it is. Don't let up, even if you fail, tomorrow you can start again."
