Marine Corps Birthday Today, Nov. 10

Happy Birthday Marines

On November 10th, 1775, The United States Marine Corps was founded by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pa. Appropriately, 'Tun Tavern' was the place where history was made.

Since that date Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our country for 233 years and have distinguished themselves "in every clime and place" in such far off lands and on distant remote beaches "from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli", in France at Belleau Wood, on the infamous Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific islands, at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, at Khe Sanh and Hue City in Vietnam, and now throughout Iraq in such outposts as Fallujah and the Anbar Province, and in Afghanistan.

Marines historically have heroically, without hesitation, answered our country's call never faltering in their dedication. "Semper Fidelis" ("Always Faithful") is their motto and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" their creed.

The Marines' Hymn proclaims "...if the Army and 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 today and on every November 10th to all those who went before me, and after, having given so much in service to their Corps and country. Now decades older, I clearly remember many with whom I served as young men unselfish in their dedication and unwavering in their loyalty while never questioning their duty to defend our nation. Always with a determined '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.

Colonel Jim Bathurst , USMC (ret) said it best when he wrote that today: "...Marines young and old, former, retired and active 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."