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
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

CLICK

[DollyCali]

What a couple of good looking Marines!

Oh?? I didn't notice.... *wink*

[Mama_Bear]

Oh?? I didn't notice.... *wink*

LOL. Yeah, right. *wink* *wink*

[Dubya]

Good read. Turn up your sound.

Women Veterans

[Mama_Bear]

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

That was a good read, Dubya. Is it any wonder that Marines are a proud group of men and women? They have every right to be!

[Mama_Bear]

Women Veterans

Excellent! Gosh, I've had tears in my eyes all day.

[jkphoto]

Just thought that I would let you know that DD just came in and had his Marine Corps belt buckle along with his pins on his collar that he always wears. He went to the birthday breakfast at the Tulare Salvation Army this morning and said that there was over 100 there to celebrate.

[Diver Dave]

Just thought that I would let you know that DD just came in ...

No I didn't. I've been busy up here getting ready for Veteran's Day festivities here in Modesto.

Parade at 1015 hrs and "Honor the Heroes" program at 1200. An AF Band will be presenting music, speeches by a couple of Generals, flag folding, wreath laying, 21 gun salute, and a full-size replica of the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Cool temps dictate wearing my Pea Coat.

[dixie sass]

Shadow is a she and weighs in at 3.9 pounds! Blonde and ditzy and smart as a whip! She's 10 weeks old and already is sitting on command most of the time. She knows that her leash means she is going out the front door and for a walk. The back door is without the leash and trying to become a lawn mower. She is a sweetie.

I don't think it's an allery to her, just the dog sage and other pollentents in the air right now (I hope)

[Mama_Bear]

No I didn't. I've been busy up here getting ready for Veteran's Day festivities here in Modesto.

LOL. I don't know exactly who he is talking about, but I didn't think it was you (but you are the only DD I know, I think).

I'm sure you will enjoy the parade and ceremony tomorrow. I don't think we are having a parade here, maybe in Visalia.

If you get any photographs, we'd love to see them. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Shadow is a she and weighs in at 3.9 pounds! Blonde and ditzy and smart as a whip! She's 10 weeks old

Oh, she's a tiny little thing! I don't know why I thought she was a "he". 50-50 chance, and I will always get it wrong. LOL

There is nothing like having a new puppy in the house! They will keep you hopping, that's for sure.

[dixie sass]

She sure does. She is supposed to be a cross between a Llapso Apso and Scottish Terrier - she definitely takes after the Terror, er, I mean Terrier side!

It's like having two year old around the house!

When I get a camera from the drug store, I'll take some pictures and and get them put on disk so that I can try to put one on here.

I am definitely a cat person though!!!

[dixie sass]

I don't care what he smokes, he is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!

[dixie sass]

Oh yeah, the Post did a good job!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

041109-N-8704K-004 Arabian Gulf (Nov. 9, 2004) - An F-14B Tomcat, assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VF-103), launches from the flight deck of the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) aircraft aboard Kennedy are supporting ground troops in Fallujah, Iraq, under Operation Al Fajr (New Dawn). Kennedy and embarked CVW-17 are currently on deployment in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Karsten (RELEASED)

041106-N-9490W-016 Key West, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2004) - The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the "Blue Angels," fly in a pyramid formation at the "Blue Angels in Paradise" Air Show held on board Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., Nov. 6-7. This year’s show was the first time the Blue Angels performed at Key West in over 16 years. The Blue Angels fly the F/A-18A Hornet as they perform approximately 30 maneuvers during the aerial demonstration, which runs approximately an hour and 15 minutes. U.S. Navy photo by Michelle Wisniewski (RELEASED)

041106-N-4779D-038 Key West, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2004) - At an altitude of 10,000 feet, a member of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Parachute Team jumps from a UH-3H Sea King helicopter assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West Search and Rescue. The USSOCOM Parachute Team performed their aerial act at NAS Key West's "Blue Angels in Paradise" Air Show, held Nov. 6-7. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Trice Denny (RELEASED)

[Dubya]

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2004 -- Iraqi and U.S. military commanders in Fallujah,
Iraq, said today they are pleased with operations in the city, but more remains
to be done.

Iraqi Maj. Gen. Abdul Qadar Mohammed Jassem Mohan and U.S. Marine Corps Lt.
Gen. John Sattler said at a news conference that U.S. and Iraqi troops are
rooting out insurgents and foreign terrorists in the city.

Sattler would not say the attack into the city has broken the back of the
resistance. But he did say he believes the enemy forces "are not able to
communicate, to work out any coordination and are now in small pockets, blind
moving throughout the city."

"And we will continue to hunt them down and destroy them," he added.

Sattler, the commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, said Iraqi and
U.S. forces are reducing those pockets. "They were moving into each and every
building on their own, clearing those buildings, finding the weapons, disposing
of the weapons and capturing or killing those insurgents who stayed behind,"
Sattler said. He and Mohan had just come from the battleground when they
briefed media in the Pentagon via a video link.

Mohan remembered the 49 Iraqi soldiers murdered by insurgents last month. "For
this, the Iraqi armed forces, they don't want a revenge, but they want to get
rid of insurgents, the evil, the murderer," he said through a interpreter.

Sattler said the Iraqi troops are doing well. Mohan said the troops are eager
to be trained and equipped and "to take over for our friends, the Multinational
Force. We wanted the Iraqi armed forces, the security forces to say what the
Iraqi dream is all about. We wish the people of Iraq to live in peace and like
any other nation and not to be killed in the street. What we are doing as
soldiers is a small price for our country."

Sattler said U.S. Marines and soldiers will continue to pursue the "terrorists
who have stolen Fallujah from the Fallujan people. And in support of our
brothers in the Iraqi armed forces, we will not stop till our mission has been
completed."

The generals said the coalition is accelerating the operation in Fallujah.

The coalition strategy in Fallujah was to seal off the town. "As we moved into
the town, some of the fighters did, in fact, resist," Sattler said.

But the coalition forces backed enemy forces into pockets, and forces that
attempted to cross from one pocket to another were killed or captured as they
moved back and forth. "So, as we swept through, we feel very comfortable that
none of them moved back through towards the north or escaped out to the
flanks," Sattler said.

He said the fighting was very close and very violent, "and the warriors across
all coalition forces and the Iraqi forces have displayed great courage and have
stopped the enemy in small numbers or in larger numbers as they attacked."

Sattler said the troops' mission is the liberation of the entire city of
Fallujah. The U.S. and Iraqi troops will ensure there are no safe havens for
terrorists and insurgents in the city. Once the city is in coalition hands, the
Iraqi interim government will re-establish the rule of law in the city. The
coalition will then follow on with reconstruction funds.

[The Mayor]

Thank you Dubya!

My step father served in Korea..

[The Mayor]

AMEN!

[The Mayor]

Amen!

Yes you can save the pic, I stole it from some website, hehe!

[Mears]

I'm the cousin of a Marine,the sister of a Marine,and the mother of a Marine.

My first child was born on November 10.

Semper Fi!!!!!

[The Mayor]

Excellent Dubya!

You have been one busy guy today!
Thanks for all your great posts!