Semper Fidelis !
I must take a short timeout from things politic for this post. November 10, 2008 marks the 233rd birthday of the most successful, most feared, and most respected fighting force in history, the United States Marine Corps.
If you are not a Marine then there is no way to explain what it means to earn the title of Marine and wear the emblem like the picture above. In 1775, with war on the horizon, the Marines were created at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since that time, Marines have "...fought in every clime and place..." and have never failed in answering the call of our nation. The Marines with which I have served are the finest men I have had the privilege of knowing. The Marines I have deployed with are tenacious in battle, loyal against their own interests, and proud of what they have accomplished. As President Reagan said, "Most people spend and entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. Marines don't have that problem."
I won't bore you with the battle history of the Corps, but suffice it to say that one man cannot carry the Battle Colors of the Corps. Marines exist for the reason cited in the mission statement of the Marine Corps Rifle Platoon - "Locate, close with, and destroy the enemy with fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemies assault with fire and close combat." Beyond that, Marines have become synonymous with discipline, loyalty, devotion, tenacity, and innovation.
On November 10th, Marines around the world whether in garrison at Camp Lejeune or in fire bases in Afghanistan, in the reserves or on ship, will stop and honor the traditions of the Corps and eat birthday cake. To this day I have a personal birthday cake when I don't attend a birthday ball.
Each year on this day the Commandant of the Marine Corps issues a birthday message to all Marines, and I have posted it below. It runs 7:20 seconds, and I encourage you to view the entire clip. If not, go to the 4:33 mark and watch the remainder.
MUSTANG has a fantastic tribute at Stacking Swivel
Addition......a very nice tribute found here.
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15 comments:
Happy Birthday and thank you for protecting this great country of ours.
Happy Birthday Marines! A special thank you to Robert and Mustang who have the honor of calling themselves Marines.
I ask that if any other Marines read this to make yourself known so we can give you the respect and honor you so deserve!
Robert, thank you for the reminder of such a special day!!
Excellent, Robert.
I'll have two posts tomorrow.
1. Social Sense
2. Stacking Swivel with great music provided by the US Marine Corps Band: Esprit de Corps and the Marine Corps Hymn.
Semper Fidelis to every Marine!
I salute you, Robert, and my good buddy, Mustang, for your service to this wonderful country......
Happy Birthday, Marines.....what WOULD this great country do without you? May we never have to find out. God bless all the Marines, all our fighting Americans, and God Bless America.
I LOVE THIS RENDITION OF THE SONG!
As an Air Force brat, I love the military and all they do for our country.
But I am in absolute AWE of the Marines.
I have never met a Marine whose character I did not respect.
Joe, if the truth be told we hold ourselves in awe also....lol. P{resident Truman said of the Corps They have a propaganda machine that is almost equal to Stalin's.
Thank you for your kind words. The drive for Marines is to preserve the reputation created by those that go before us. In many instances, it was the difference between winning and losing a battle. There is not a single Marine who desires to be the one that caused a loss of confidence in the Corps.
And there are quite a few characters in the Corps, of that I assure you....
I've never met a Marine who was right in the head.
And I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy B-Day.
Happy birthday, Marines, and God Bless you!
I found this blog by way of Mike. I've visited Jennifer for awhile on her blog. Hi, Jennifer! Good for you and Robert. I hope this is a great success. :)
Oops! I meant by way of Ken's blog. Sorry!
Gayle, it matters not how you got here nor the path you took, only that you arrived. It is good to know where the referrals originate, though.
Thanks for your birthday wishes! Please stop by and sit on the porch a little every day. If you like what you find here, tell your friends and bring them too!
And while you are here, have a piece of the birthday cake...
Hi Gayle, it's great to have you here! Thanks for the well wishes! Hope you stop by often!
Happy Birthday Marine.
M1A1 Mighty Fine.
I never experienced the "M1 thumb" but I sure have heard my dad's stories! Mine was the M-16,M40A, and the other weapons organic to the infantry company.
For you Old Breed guys, my dad was at Chosin, 'Nam in the early days as an advisor before any buildup, and my brother and I served in peace and in Desert Storm.
We have some great times sitting around telling stories for hours..My brother and his wife took a birthday cake to him tonight..it is the day I get on the phone and make those once a year phone calls to my brothers....
I was in the Army. The rifle at the time was the M16A1. My Senior Drill Sergeant was old school and used to say "M1A1 Mighty Fine" when we were on his good side. When we were on his bad side, the word scumbag was very common, with some adjectives that I cannot type here because this is a family blog. ;)
No problem LA, those adjectives still ring loudly in my ears from the mouth of Drill Instructor Sergeant Poyner!
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