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.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
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

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
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and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

CLICK

[Mama_Bear]

I don't know whether you were at the Rally last Friday when Syncro said a prayer for these two young men.

Yes, I was there. A very solemn moment. I just can't imagine how the parents of these two young men bear the grief of losing them. It just breaks my heart.

[JustAmy]

LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT

Here is a soldier stationed in Iraq, stationed in a big sand box. He asked his wife to send him dirt, fertilizer and some grass seeds so he can have the sweet aroma and feel the grass grow beneath his feet.

If you notice, he is even cutting the grass with a pair of scissors. Sometimes we are in such a hurry that we don't stop and think about the little things that we take for granted. Upon receiving this, please say a prayer for our soldiers that give (and give up) so unselfishly for us.

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for bringing that photo over here. Something about it just touches my heart.

I am finding this is turning into a very emotional day, probably for many of us.

[dansangel]

Wow. Just......Wow

((((((JustAmy))))))))

[JustAmy]

With the taking of Fallujah (sp) this week, it is a very emotional week.

I continue to pray for our military and their families.

[JustAmy]

((((( Dansy )))))

I received that via email last night. The picture reminds us of what these young people have given up to protect our freedoms.

[Mama_Bear]

On another note, my friend Dale has been injured in Iraq! Please keep him and his family in your prayers!!

Oh, no! I am so sorry to hear this, phancypants. I will pray for him. Please keep us posted.

Prayer ping!

[MEG33]

Upon receiving this, please say a prayer for our soldiers that give (and give up) so unselfishly for us.

May God shield our armed forces and bring them home safely to their families.

[MEG33]

I am sorry to hear about your friend,Dale..Prayers going up for his recovery.

[phancypants]

Thanks so much to both of you, I will keep you posted.

It could have been so much worse, and I believe that prayer has been the reason that he's still with us!

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for your service, TC, and for posting the link to your 'Happy Birthday Marines' thread.

[Mama_Bear]

Allegra was in Iraq in a mess hall listening to the cheers that went up from civilians and military alike when victory was clear..Goose Bumps

Goose bumps is exactly what I am feeling!

[dutchess]

Hello everyone. What a beautiful tribute to our marines today Lori. I shared it with my marine father and it put a smile on his face.

Most the family left last night and this morning. I'm taking dad back to Ohio with me tomorrow. He's doing relatively well and is quite anxious to go. Would appreciate your continued prayers for him. He's really missing his "little angel" (((((sistahs)))))) (((((finest friends))))))

[Mama_Bear]

He's doing relatively well and is quite anxious to go. Would appreciate your continued prayers for him. He's really missing his "little angel".

Oh, bless his heart, and yours. Loving hugs and continued prayers for you both.

What a beautiful tribute to our marines today Lori. I shared it with my marine father and it put a smile on his face.

Thank you and I am so happy it pleased him. Tell him we love and appreciate our veterans here.............and today, we salute our Marine veterans!

[jwfiv]

Thank you, Mrs. Bear ... a fine tribute to the Few and the Proud.

God bless America and the USMC.

[MEG33]

((((((((((((Dutchess and your dad)))))))))))))
May God be with you.

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you, Mrs. Bear ... a fine tribute to the Few and the Proud.

And thank you, Sir Fox, for the compliments. :-)

I wonder if that is the "cigarette man" that DollyCali was taking about?

[DollyCali]

Cigarette Guy

Ceegar Guy

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks, Dolly. :-)

What a couple of good looking Marines! (But, this bear thinks they are ALL good looking, and courageous, and heroes.........they're MARINES!) ;-)

[Dubya]

By Kathleen T. Rhem
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Two hundred twenty-nine years ago, Marines came
ashore from sailing ships; today they come off large amphibious ships. But the
service's core values have remained the same, the top Marine general said.

"The young Marines today . are emulating the warrior ethic that the Marines who
went before established," Marine Commandant Gen. Michael W. Hagee said Nov. 5
in an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.

Hagee, the Corps' 33rd commandant, explained that "Marines that have gone before
us really set the standard" in famous battles such as Belleau Wood, in France
in World War I; Iwo Jima, in Japan in World War II; and the Chosin Reservoir,
in the Korean War.

As the Corps celebrates its 229th birthday today, modern Marines have much in
common with those long-ago warriors, Hagee said. "We are a force in readiness,
and we've always been a force in readiness," he said. "We're an expeditionary
force, and by expeditionary I mean expeditionary in the fullest sense. In other
words, when we arrive, we can sustain ourselves. And finally, we are a
combined-arms team. That has remained the same for years and years."

Still, today's junior Marines shoulder much more responsibility than their
predecessors. Hagee said the war on terrorism is "essentially a war at the
squad-leader and platoon-leader level."

In 1999, then-Commandant Gen. Charles Krulak wrote of "the strategic corporal"
- young Marines "far from the flagpole without the direct supervision of senior
leadership."

Modern Marines "will be asked to deal with a bewildering array of challenges
and threats," Krulak wrote in Marines magazine. "In order to succeed under such
demanding conditions they will require unwavering maturity, judgment, and
strength of character."

Hagee said the emergence of "the strategic corporal" makes it much more vital
that Marines continue their education -- and that the Corps make education
opportunities available to Marines.

"We've got corporals and sergeants out there making very important decisions.
And they don't have time to get a 3x5 card out of their pocket, and they don't
have time to check with anyone," he said. "They need to make the decision
there. And in order to prepare them to do that, we have to properly educate
them."

The commandant said he'd like to see that every Marine has the opportunity to
earn at least a bachelor's degree over the course of a career.

In a wide-ranging interview about the past, present and future of the Marine
Corps, Hagee said he's often inspired when visiting Marines who have been
wounded in Iraq. He said it's "uplifting" to spend time with these young
Marines.

"They're very proud of what they have done. They're not thinking about
themselves," Hagee said of the wounded Marines he's visited. "They want to know
how their unit is doing, and they consistently tell me, 'I am ready to go
back.'"

The general also offered words on encouragement for those Marines who are
manning home stations and are not deployed to a war zone. "What I tell the
Marines who are back here in the United States is, 'Just think what you have
done over the past year,'" Hagee said.

He noted that Marines who are not deployed are a vital part of training and
equipping those who are deployed. "Without the support of Marines back here in
the United States, the force protection and the capabilities of the Marines in
theater would be much less," he said. "Everyone has an important job, whether
you're forward or whether you're back here."

Speaking before Operation Al Fajr began in Fallujah, Iraq, on Nov. 8, Hagee
said the Marines preparing to carry out that operation were ready for what they
would face and were in good spirits. "I would argue that the reason they feel
so confident is that they're properly equipped, properly trained, properly led,
and they understand the importance of the mission," he said.

Looking to the future of the force, Hagee said the Corps would maintain its
character and its three core missions: to maintain the service's force-in-
readiness posture, to maintain a combined-arms team and to maintain the
Marines' expeditionary character.

In short, he said, the Marines will remain "most ready (to respond) when the
nation is least ready."