Posted on 11/10/2008 8:05:21 AM PST by history_48
by Gina L. Diorio
It’s impossible not to notice them. The stance of their shoulders…the poise of their head…their unflinching gaze. Somehow you know when you’re in the presence of a United States Marine.
Today, the Marine Corps celebrates its 233rd birthday. On this day in 1775, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, passed the Resolution Establishing the Continental Marines. That document “Resolved, That two Battalions of [M]arines be raised … to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies.” And serve they did, carrying out their first amphibious raid in 1776.
When the Revolutionary War ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, however, so too did the existence of the Marines – but not for long. And on July 11, 1798, the Corps was formally re-established.
Since then, the United States Marine Corps has served with honor on land, air, and sea around the world. From the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and the Boxer Rebellion to World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, the Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism, United States Marines have been there – leading, fighting, protecting, sacrificing, and many times, dying for their nation.
Today, the Corps motto – Semper Fidelis – is recognized worldwide. But beyond that, it is demonstrated each and every day by the U.S. Marines at home and abroad who remain unwaveringly, uncompromisingly, and unquestionably “always faithful.”
In honor of its birthday, the Corps asked Retired Lt. General Ron Christmas to describe what it means to become a Marine. In a video posted on the Marine Corps website, Lt. Gen. Christmas explains, “What really happens, you know, when you get called ‘Marine’ for the first time, two invisible hands reach up and rip your chest cavity open. Another invisible hands with a singe and iron singes a globe and anchor in your heart. The same invisible hands close up your chest cavity, and you’re simply never the same again.”
To those few who have earned the title United States Marine, America thanks you. And to the United States Marine Corps, Happy Birthday.
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Gina L. Diorio is a full-time freelance writer. Please visit her website at www.LibertyWritingSolutions.com.
OOH RAH!!! Semper Fi!
Thank You to every Marine: Past, Present, and Future. Semper Fi!
Happy Birthday, Marine!!
I would like to take this time if I may to say Happy Birthday to all of my brothers and sisters. I apologize that I can not be with you to celebrate our heritage, honor and comittment to each other. I’m no longer on active duty, but I do know that many of you overseas do read this post, so this is my way of getting together with all of you. No matter what the news may report you do have alot of support here at home and we wish you the best and miss you.
Like I said I’m no longer on active duty, I’m retired veteran of the Corps, and married to a Navy Seabee (retired), she loves the Marine Corps as much as we. Tonight at our table there will be an empty place setting to honor our fallen, missing, and all of those still serving. We will raise our glass to you tonight and continue our prayers for all of you.
I am proud to have claimed the title Marine, and we are all proud of you and pray for a safe return. For those who have passed, may you and Chesty have a peaceful rest.
Happy Birthday. Oohrah and Semper Fi.
Thank you and to my Marine brothers and sisters a big Semper fi and OORAH!
A proud Marine (retired) wife for 31+ years!!!
OOOOrah!! Semper Fi and HB!
(God Bless Chesty!)
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
My Father After Being Promoted to MGySgt E-9
My Mother And Father Visit Me During My Avation Electroinc School Training 1971
Semper Fi ... hard to believe the one time I was the youngest Marine at the Ball was almost 20 years ago.
Happy Birthday! Semper Fi!
Happy Marine Corps birthday!
Happy Birthday and God bless you all past and present.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi.
L
I have always loved this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt
The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!
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