Happy Birthday, Marines!
On November 10th, 1775, The United States Marine Corps was founded by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Appropriately, 'Tun Tavern' was the place where history was made.
Since that date Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our country for 234 years and have distinguished themselves 'in every clime and place' in far off lands and on distant remote beaches 'from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli', in France during World War l at Belleau Wood, on Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific Islands during World War ll, at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir during the Korea War, at Khe Sanh and Hue City during the Vietnam War, and now throughout Iraq in such outposts as Fallujah and the Anbar Province, and, most recently, in Afghanistan. To name just a few.
Marines have heroically, without hesitation, answered our country's call never faltering in their dedication nor swerving in their allegiance. "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) is their motto and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" their creed.
The Marines' Hymn proclaims "...if the Army or the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines."
Competently so.
I pay silent tribute on every November 10th to those who went before me, and after, having given so much in service to their Corps and country. Now decades older, I clearly remember those with whom I served as young men and women unselfish in their devotion and unwavering in their loyalty while never questioning their duty to defend our nation. Always displaying a 'Gung Ho' attitude, Marines have stood ready to fight our country's battles "on the land, in the air, or at sea" wherever and whenever called upon to do so.
Colonel Jim Bathurst, USMC (ret) may have said it best when he wrote that on November 10th each year "...Marines young and old, former, retired, or on active duty will look their fellow Marine in the eye, shake his/her hand, and say those wonderful words "Happy Birthday Marine!"...Let us not forget those who made it possible for those of us that once wore or still wear that wonderful uniform to hold our heads high with honor, pride, and glory."
And so, on this special day, I will hoist a toast to all Marines, past and present, who have risked their lives for their country; I will especially never forget those Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice; their memory bolsters my faith in our nation's youth, our steadfast values, and our blessed United States of America.
Happy Birthday, Marines!
Since that date Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our country for 234 years and have distinguished themselves 'in every clime and place' in far off lands and on distant remote beaches 'from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli', in France during World War l at Belleau Wood, on Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific Islands during World War ll, at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir during the Korea War, at Khe Sanh and Hue City during the Vietnam War, and now throughout Iraq in such outposts as Fallujah and the Anbar Province, and, most recently, in Afghanistan. To name just a few.
Marines have heroically, without hesitation, answered our country's call never faltering in their dedication nor swerving in their allegiance. "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) is their motto and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" their creed.
The Marines' Hymn proclaims "...if the Army or the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines."
Competently so.
I pay silent tribute on every November 10th to those who went before me, and after, having given so much in service to their Corps and country. Now decades older, I clearly remember those with whom I served as young men and women unselfish in their devotion and unwavering in their loyalty while never questioning their duty to defend our nation. Always displaying a 'Gung Ho' attitude, Marines have stood ready to fight our country's battles "on the land, in the air, or at sea" wherever and whenever called upon to do so.
Colonel Jim Bathurst, USMC (ret) may have said it best when he wrote that on November 10th each year "...Marines young and old, former, retired, or on active duty will look their fellow Marine in the eye, shake his/her hand, and say those wonderful words "Happy Birthday Marine!"...Let us not forget those who made it possible for those of us that once wore or still wear that wonderful uniform to hold our heads high with honor, pride, and glory."
And so, on this special day, I will hoist a toast to all Marines, past and present, who have risked their lives for their country; I will especially never forget those Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice; their memory bolsters my faith in our nation's youth, our steadfast values, and our blessed United States of America.
Happy Birthday, Marines!
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