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

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~ 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!

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[Billie]

Such a classy post, Lori, and beautiful pledge! You did the USMC proud! :)

[Mama_Bear]

Hi Billie. Thank you for sharing the Marine emblem background, and thank you also for reminding me that today is the Marine Corps birthday. I would have felt just awful had I missed the opportunity to put together a tribute for this branch of the service that I admire so much.

Such a classy post, Lori, and beautiful pledge! You did the USMC proud! :)

Thank you, ma'am. :-)

[LadyX]

You beat me to posting this one, Your Honor! However, I can add the Properties designate it is for
the Marine Harrier Pilots --

[TexasCowboy]

Happy Birthday, Maggie!

Check out my link in #73!

[Diver Dave]

I grew up a Navy brat and remember the rivalry between the Navy and the Marines, but there was always, underlying the friendly ribbing, the deepest respect for the job each branch does

Ten thousand Gobs
Laid down their swabs
To fight one sick Marine

Ten thousand more
stood by and swore
t'was the greatest fight they'd ever seen

[Mama_Bear]

Your Marine Corps posts have enriched this thread with interesting and touching stories. Thank you so much for all of your contributions, and for your service, Dubya. :-)

[dixie sass]

I love my Marines.

I use to walk my dog in Savannah to Forsythe Park and see the Marine emblem everyday.

[Mama_Bear]

An American tax payer wishes to thank any and all Marines for the service and professionalism on their birthday. The protection that you provide me and my family is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for this. I echo your sentiments. Thank God for our Marines and the job they do for us!

[Don Simmons]

SEMPER FI to my Marine brothers in arms.

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.

I cannot wait to get back to Iraq. I feel guilty for not being there right now.

[Mama_Bear]

What a *beautiful* tribute to our Marine Corps (((((Mama_Bear))))))))

Thank you, dansy. Thank goodness that Billie happened to mention to me yesterday that the Marine Corps birthday is today. I must pay better attention, I almost missed it, and would have felt just awful.

[Mama_Bear]

It is for men like Cleveland Leonesio, and for the men and women who are serving today, that I thank God that Kerry was not elected.

Thanks for posting the article about this Marine veteran.

[dansangel]

I almost missed it, and would have felt just awful.

Well, you did a wonderful job and I am so glad for the reminder as I keep *all* of our precious troops in prayer.

[Mama_Bear]

We gave you the best present we could..President Bush as CIC!

Isn't that the truth? Our military deserves no less than a Commander in Chief with the honor and integrity of President Bush. My main concern throughout the election was our military and what a travesty it would be if they ever had to salute and follow the orders of that traitor Kerry.

[MEG33]

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

[DollyCali]

wow thank you for the lovely tribute to our Marines and how very fitting that at this time they are BEING CALLED ON TO "DO THEIR THING" in the mideast.

The young man that is gracing many threads(cigarette guy) .. and many newspaper front pages , including our Cleveland PD, Is he a marine?

I am fighting (and losing to) a URI.. bit run down from preelection/election work..

Hugs & good thoughts to you all

[Mama_Bear]

And when you call your brudder, tell him that the military cheerleaders on FR appreciate his service and that of his brudder! :-)

[meandog]

Dear Marines/Former Marines
"Squids" and "Jarheads" don't always make the best of siblings in the Navy family, but I was at NSA Da Nang in '67 and I remember how we depended upon the security you provided. You grunts saved our asses many times with guts and guile and I thank you for it. I missed Tet, but I distinctly remember reading about its outcome when I rotated back to the states in '68 to attend submarine school...Hue City was particularly rough when it fell, but knowing it was given to the Marines, I knew immediately that it would be recaptured. Thank you again!

[dansangel]

(((((((meandog))))))))

Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for fighting for my freedom. May God bless you and your family abundantly.

[Mama_Bear]

MThe young man that is gracing many threads(cigarette guy) .. and many newspaper front pages , including our Cleveland PD, Is he a marine?

Hmmm.....I don't know, I haven't seen the picture and haven't had time to get off this thread today.

I have also wondered if "Ceegar Man" is a marine. I can't tell unless they are in dress uniform. (The women sure were drooling over this guy awhile back. LOL)

[Mama_Bear]

I am fighting (and losing to) a URI.. bit run down from preelection/election work..

Get well soon, Dolly. (Take some echinacea, I swear by it. It's worth a try anyway.)