Commandant's 228th Birthday Message (For Marines Past and Present)

Headquarters United States Marine Corps ^ | 03 Nov 2003 | General Hagee Commandant USMC

[sean327]

10 November 2003

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

This year we celebrate the 228th anniversary of the founding of our Corps. As always, it is an occasion for remembrance, proud traditions, and joyful camaraderie. The events of the past year have called for great sacrifices from many Marines and their families. While the Global War on Terrorism will continue to demand the best from each of us, it is important that we join with our fellow Marines, families and friends to celebrate our Corps' special culture and unique warrior ethos.

This past year, Marines demonstrated once again that they are the most important entity on any battlefield. Lethal weapons and advanced technologies provide us unique advantages, but educated warriors ultimately determine victory in combat not machines. During Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, our small unit leaders' skills, adaptability and flexibility produced victory on uncertain and at times chaotic battlefields. We proved once again the power of integrated ground-air-logistics teams as well as the importance of every Marine being first and foremost a rifleman.

Our special spirit is evident not only in battle; it is evident in the faithful performance of demanding duties by countless Marines at home and abroad. Every Marine makes a vital contribution to the ability of our Corps to project and sustain credible combat power. Moreover, the willingness and readiness of all Marines to accept and accomplish any mission is central to our success and a hallmark of our warrior ethos. The culture that defines the Marine Corps is nurtured by our traditions. In celebrating our heritage, we strengthen the linkages to a glorious history and recommit ourselves to upholding the standards and values given to us by past generations.

In commemorating our 228th anniversary, remain true to the spirit of the occasion. Reflect on our fallen with deep respect, observe our traditions with justifiable pride, take care of one another, and of course, celebrate those special bonds that exist among United States Marines.

Happy Birthday Marines, Semper Fidelis, and keep attacking!

M. W. Hagee

General, U.S. Marine Corps

[sean327]

Happy Birthday Marines, Semper Fi!!

[tutstar]

bttt for my retired USMC hubby.

oooorahhhhhh

[tutstar]

ping

[Fyscat]

Got out june of '92. Funny how at times, I still miss it.

[Ol' Sox]

Happy Birthday, Marines!

[BlueNgold]

US Navy Bump for our brothers!
Hoo Rah

[SF Republican]

OOOOH RAH

[The Mayor]

Happy Birthday to the USMC !! from Julianne & Suzanne, the Marine Corps' first female twins.

~~The Mayor's Wife~~

[GSWarrior]

Joint Public Affairs Office, HqCo, HqBn, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. 1977 to 1982.

Those were the days.

[BlackbirdSST]

Happy Birthday Marine Corp, PING! Blackbird.

[Coop]

Roll call, Marines! Who are the youngest and oldest FR Marines? At 37 I don't think I'll qualify for either piece of cake.

Note: USMC tradition at birthday ball to present first piece of cake from oldest to youngest Marine in unit, signifying passdown of traditions.

[kellynla]

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.

[IGOTMINE]

41 years old here. Been out since 1995. Called the reserve recruiter today and set up an appointment to get back in uniform.

[Coop]

No kidding? Give up some details.

[The Mayor]

Mrs Mayor is 41

[sean327]

I will be 38 on the 15th, so no on both categories

[GSWarrior]

45. And I better not be the oldest.

[TheGunny]

34 here!

[IGOTMINE]

Give SSgt McRae a call at the Anacostia Reserve Center and you too can again be a member of the world's finest fighting force.

You'd need a waiver since you're an SNCO with more than 24 hours off contract, but I'm sure they could fit you in, Coop. The Reserves have formed an intel battalion...Company D is at Quantico.

[tet68]

Semper Fi birthday bump.

Wait another 20 years, you'll miss it even more.

VMA-223 Fighting Bulldog bump.

"When they come back with leaves in the wheelwells, you know some grunt was glad to see them."