Parris Island, South Carolina (CNN) -- Charles Burns steadies himself, using the arms of his wheelchair, before pushing up into a standing position. His wife, Lisa, places a firm hand under his frail arm, helping him to his feet. Once upright, Charles places his hand across his heart as the band plays the national anthem at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the training facility for all Marine recruits east of the Mississippi River. The former chief petty officer in the Navy, who served a one-year tour of duty as a crew member on patrols along the Mekong River Delta in South Vietnam during that war, had just one wish for Father's Day -- to watch his son, Ryan, graduate from Marine Corps boot camp.
@highlight
Charles Burns, 65, entered hospice care in September
@highlight
His dying wish was to see his son, Ryan, become a Marine
@highlight
Charles Burns made a 1,000-mile trek to see his son graduate on Friday
Navy
The 65-year-old @placeholder veteran is dying, making last week's feat bittersweet.
Ryan
Ryan
By the time @placeholder enlisted in the Marines last fall, his father had already spent six months in the hospital in need of treatment for heart failure.
Ryan
Ryan
@placeholder, dressed in full uniform, quick-steps toward his parents and throws his arms around his father.
Charles Burns
Charles
Charles Burns
Charles Burns
As for @placeholder, he draws strength from his wife and son, and is taking life one day at a time.