Happy Birthday Fellow Marines

[rayboyusmc]

Whether you are right or left or active or retired, as a Marine you serve the our Country and the Corp. Because we may see our service demands differently doesn't mean that either side believes any less in their obligation and graditude to being an American.

Marine Corps Birthday: (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey)

All U.S. Marines are gung-ho. But, few can match the vision and total commitment of the famous 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune. In 1921 he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921.

Gen. Lejeune's order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps. It further directed that the order be read to all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

Soon, some Marine commands began to not only honor the birthday, but celebrate it. In 1923 the Marine Barracks at Ft. Mifflin, Pennsylvania, staged a formal dance. The Marines at the Washington Navy Yard arranged a mock battle on the parade ground. At Quantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Marine baseball team played a Cuban team and won, 9 to 8.

The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Thank you Navy.

USMC Birthday

 

[Coloradomtnman]

Whether you are right or left or active or retired, as a Marine you serve the our Country and the Corp. Because we may see our service demands differently doesn't mean that either side believes any less in their obligation and graditude to being an American.

Thank you Navy.

USMC Birthday

Oorah, fellow devil dogs; fellow leathernecks; fellow lean, green, killing machines!

 

[Navy1960]

Whether you are right or left or active or retired, as a Marine you serve the our Country and the Corp. Because we may see our service demands differently doesn't mean that either side believes any less in their obligation and graditude to being an American.




Thank you Navy.

USMC Birthday

Your welcome anytime Ray, and I will add my thoughts to all those Marines out there past, present, and future. One of which I had the high honor to watch being inducted into the Marine Corps today. I will always owe a debt to the Marines for their support throughout my career and can assure you I would never have been able to get anywhere were it not for a Marine Gunny that liked to make this "squids" life miserable at NAS Pensacola during OCS a very long time ago. So a fond Happy 233 Hotel Bravo!!

 

[Otter_Creek]

 

[William Joyce]

Our office had cake for the occasion, as usual.

Story told was about how four recruiters showed up to a high school once, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines.

Army recruiter says, if you join the Army, you can go to whatever school you want.

Navy recruiter says, if you join the Navy, we'll send you to interesting places.

Air Force recruiter says, if you join the Air Force, we'll keep you out of harm's way.

Marine recruiter says, if you join the Marines, you'll get a pack, a rifle, and a chance to serve your country.

Everyone signed up for the Marines.

 

[pegwinn]

Happy Birthday Devildogs, and a warm set of thanks to all the vets.