A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-10-04....Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps!

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, dutchess, dansangel, Aquamarine ~

General LeJeune's Marine Corps Birthday Message

On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date, many thousand men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of it's existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the nations foes. From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne. Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home. Generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term Marine has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.



The Commandant of the Marine Corps' 2004 Birthday Message

Two hundred and twenty-nine years ago, the Second Continental Congress established a Corps of Marines to fight for a democratic people's independence. Since then countless Marines have raised their hand and sworn to defend our Nation's freedoms and preserve its liberties. This year's anniversary again finds Marines engaged throughout the globe for the same noble purposes. The bravery, heroism and selflessness of all Marines—wherever they are serving—have added significantly to our rich legacy and measured up to the high standards that have come to epitomize all who wear the eagle, globe and anchor.

The current battlefields of the global war on terror are linked to the storied campaigns of our past by an unbroken tradition of proud and loyal service. At New Providence, Chapultepec, Belleau Wood, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, Con Thien, Kuwait and now in places like Fallujah, Marines have consistently demonstrated a dedication to duty, a commitment to warfighting excellence, and a devotion to each other that has instilled a fierce determination to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. Our warrior ethos is and will continue to be the Corps' hallmark.

The fortitude and sacrifices of Marines and their families have been vital in protecting our Nation from those who would do us harm. Whether preparing and sustaining our agile force or engaged in battle, the esprit de corps, tireless energy, calm courage and inspired leadership of Marines continue to make a monumental difference in this world. Your unselfish dedication and significant accomplishments—demonstrated repeatedly over this past year in numerous places such as the Anbar province of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Haiti and in the crucial job here at home supporting our deployed forces—are deeply respected and valued by your fellow Americans.

Marines, as we celebrate with friends and families the founding of our beloved Corps, you should take pride in our long history of distinguished service to this great Nation and its citizens. I ask you to remember especially the sacrifices of our fallen and wounded comrades. Finally, rededicate yourselves to taking care of one another and ensuring we remain the finest warfighting organization in the world.

Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis, and Keep Attacking. - M. W. Hagee General, U.S. Marine Corps

The Marine's Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-08-04 Military Monday 11-09-04 What they're wearing to the Inaugural Ball

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
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3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

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at
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[Mama_Bear]

!!! OUTSTANDING !!!

Thanks, Lady Maggie. How proud you must be to be a Marine. I admire everyone who has earned to right to say they are a United States Marine!

[Mama_Bear]

One man chose to build up and give hope to our Veterans, while another broke them down with character assassinations and false accusations.

A contrast like night and day (or, it could be said, 'good and evil')! Thank you for posting this.

[LadyX]

Acknowledging the proud heritage of Scotland's valiant warriors, did you realize our military services bear their colors?!

[Mama_Bear]

"Ah," said the Sailor with a dismissive wave of his hand, "all shore duty, huh?"

LOL!!!

[Mama_Bear]

Got a puppy named Shadow.

You did? Well, we want pictures!

'choo! Sorry.

Are you allergic to him, or do you have a cold? If it is a cold, try some echinacea....and get well soon, dixie.

[Mama_Bear]

Today is my 17th anniversary -- 17 years ago today I began Basic Combat Training in the US Army. Best thing I ever did with my life.

Thank you for your service, Don. We appreciate you!

[LadyX]

I had forwarded a neat description of Marines to a lifetime friend in Sacramento, California who had been an officer in the Marine Corps.
Paul and I knew one another from age 9 on, and in high school he went steady with one of my best friends; they and I and several others were in the same Sunday School class.

With the wonder world of e-mail, we have in recent years remained in contact, and both attended a Melbourne High School (FL) reunion in 1998. He visited us once thereafter here in SC on his way through to visit relatives in NC.

With today, November 10th marking the Birthday of The United States Marine Corps, I share with you his plans there for that occasion:

Hi Maggie!

That was great! I will share it with a few Marines.

On Wednesday the 10th, we are having our annual Birthday luncheon at a posh downtown private club opened to us by a Marine. We have all the recruiters in the area attend and a featured speaker. It is a very nice affair and around 200 people attend. They have a great lunch (steak sandwich & shrimp salad) and a birthday cake. This year my guest will be one of the last flying Warrant Officers. He is 91 and I'm hoping he will be the oldest to help cut the cake.

We are having the parents of two Marines that were KIA in Iraq as guests of honor.
I have been asked to give a toast to them after the Invocation by a Navy Chaplain recently returned from Iraq.

I am honored by this request and want to do well.
(I will also give the closing toasts: To the President, To the Comandant, etc.)

(He then shared his draft of the words he plans, asking for my thoughts...)

================================

(The following are LadyX words --

Here's to The Corps - our military, past, present and future - to America - and I give praise and thanks to the God Whose we are, Who makes clear our command to love others as we do ourselves, protecting the oppressed with supreme sacrifices when necessary, no matter what the personal cost.

Lord, be with us all, and keep strong our will and determination to act as You would have us, in Your Holy Name.

--- Amen. .

[Mama_Bear]

Hue City was particularly rough when it fell, but knowing it was given to the Marines, I knew immediately that it would be recaptured.

:-) The Marines always come through!

Thank you for your service, meandog. We truly do love and appreicate our veterans here.

[Texagirl4W]

Very well said, Lady. God bless our military.

[dansangel]

(((((LadyX))))))

The most *beautiful* Marine I know.

Thank you for your service to our country and for helping us all to *remember*.

[LadyX]

Re: my Reply # 103

These are not, "Girlie Men" --- LOL

[Donaeus]

Good afternoon Mama Bear! I wish I could really be on the thread instead of at work but I wouldn't have missed giving much deserved recognition to our Marines. Absolutely beautiful and impressive layout you've created for them. :)

[A.A. Cunningham]

Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch is indeed a United States Marine.

Perhaps his wife, freeper Cee-gar Man US Marine can give us an update on the Devil Dog.

[auboy]

[Mama_Bear]

Wow....thank you, A.A., for the info and the link to the thread about him. Now I don't have to continue to wonder if he is a Marine. :-)

Yes, an update please! I am so sorry to hear he was wounded in Iraq.

[Mama_Bear]

These are not, "Girlie Men" --- LOL

Definitely NOT! :-)

[Mama_Bear]

We are having the parents of two Marines that were KIA in Iraq as guests of honor.

I wonder if those would be the parents of the two Marines from Clovis (just outside of Fresno) that were killed last week in Iraq. It's so very sad. They were best friends all through school. They enlisted in the Marines together asking that they could serve together. It was their second tour of duty in Iraq. They were killed in an explosion. My heart goes out to their families.

Photos and the story about these brave men HERE.

[mrstank]

Enjoy your time stateside and know that the mission over there is in the capable hands of guys like my husband. It's his turn to bear the torch, and when he's done, then maybe it will be your time to take it back! He's proud to be there so that those that have already been can have a break.

[JustAmy]

I don't know whether you were at the Rally last Friday when Syncro said a prayer for these two young men. He led us in a moment of silence after saying a prayer for them and their families. A very sad evening.

[Mama_Bear]

Absolutely beautiful and impressive layout you've created for them. :)

Thank you. It was a labor of love for a group of people I admire so much.