Commandant's 228th Birthday Message (For Marines Past and Present)

Headquarters United States Marine Corps ^ | 03 Nov 2003 | General Hagee Commandant USMC

[sean327]

10 November 2003

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

This year we celebrate the 228th anniversary of the founding of our Corps. As always, it is an occasion for remembrance, proud traditions, and joyful camaraderie. The events of the past year have called for great sacrifices from many Marines and their families. While the Global War on Terrorism will continue to demand the best from each of us, it is important that we join with our fellow Marines, families and friends to celebrate our Corps' special culture and unique warrior ethos.

This past year, Marines demonstrated once again that they are the most important entity on any battlefield. Lethal weapons and advanced technologies provide us unique advantages, but educated warriors ultimately determine victory in combat not machines. During Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, our small unit leaders' skills, adaptability and flexibility produced victory on uncertain and at times chaotic battlefields. We proved once again the power of integrated ground-air-logistics teams as well as the importance of every Marine being first and foremost a rifleman.

Our special spirit is evident not only in battle; it is evident in the faithful performance of demanding duties by countless Marines at home and abroad. Every Marine makes a vital contribution to the ability of our Corps to project and sustain credible combat power. Moreover, the willingness and readiness of all Marines to accept and accomplish any mission is central to our success and a hallmark of our warrior ethos. The culture that defines the Marine Corps is nurtured by our traditions. In celebrating our heritage, we strengthen the linkages to a glorious history and recommit ourselves to upholding the standards and values given to us by past generations.

In commemorating our 228th anniversary, remain true to the spirit of the occasion. Reflect on our fallen with deep respect, observe our traditions with justifiable pride, take care of one another, and of course, celebrate those special bonds that exist among United States Marines.

Happy Birthday Marines, Semper Fidelis, and keep attacking!

M. W. Hagee

General, U.S. Marine Corps

[Alamo-Girl]

Happy Birthday to our heroes!!!

[Poohbah]

Roll call, Marines! Who are the youngest and oldest FR Marines? At 37 I don't think I'll qualify for either piece of cake.

I'm 38, neither will I.

[dcwusmc]

Happy Birthday from this retired Marine!

[dcwusmc]

Happy Birthday, Doug!

[Brad’s Gramma]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Marines!

You've served us well....THANK YOU!!!!!!

[The Shrew]

Happy Birthday Marines!

Semper Fi!

TS

[kellynla]

Thanks Sarge and a very Happy Birthday to you. Ya don't look a day older than 227! LOL Semper Fi

[Consort]

[Nightshift]

semper fi

[JoeSixPack1]

Happy Birthday Jarheads!

2nd ANGLICO, Force Troops, FMFLant

OOOOOHHHHRRRAAAAHHHHHHH

[Warrior Nurse]

42 on 23 Nov Served in our beloved corps from 1982-1990. Happy Birthday Marines and Good Night Chesty where ever you are!

Still serving in the US Navy

[Warrior Nurse]

Army, Navy was not for me Air Force was just too easy What I needed was a lil bit more I needed a life that is hard core Parris Island where it all began A little rock with a lot of sand I can't forget about hollywood San Diego its all good

First phase they broke me down Second phase started comin around Third phase I was lean and mean Graduation standing tall in my greens To anybody that asks me why Here's to them here's my reply I'll be a Marine to the day I die Motivated and SEMPER FI!!!!!!!!!!!

[Coop]

We've still got a few days until the birthday celebration, but as of now it looks like the Gunner will be serving the Gunny some yummy Devil Dog cake.

[The Piltdown Man]

Happy Birhtday, Marines.

---
CWO4 William John G. Balderama, USMC (Ret)

[JoeSixPack1]

Semper Fi, SIR!

Happy Birthday Bump!!

[redhead]

Happy Birthday, Marine Corps! Carolina Lee, wherever you are, bless you! Have one for me.

[Ed Straker]

Semper Fi

Parris Island, Class of '89

[Knightsofswing]

I am 41, but hold the record as a retread. 12 Years out;
Dec, 14 '79 enlisted delayed program
Feb 24'80 Boot Camp San Diego Plt 3018, Co "I"
May '80 29 Palms Ca [C&E school]
June'80 Hq Brty [S-1] 4th Bn, 11th Mar, 29 Palms CA.
'82 Regt Hq 27th Mar[S-1] 29 Palms Ca.
'83 1st 155 How Btry [sp] 4th Bn, 11th Mar. 29 Palms Ca
Feb 25 '84 Discharged to IRR

June 26 1996 Re-enlisted sent to Mar Det Good Fellow AFB, San Angelo Tx.
Nov 1996 Hq Sqdrn [CFR Plt] Yuma, AZ
July 1999 Hq Sqdrn [CFR Plt] Yuma, AZ [Med retired]

SEMPER FI ALL BROTHERS & SISTERS IN ARMS & HARMS WAY!!!

[Coop]

I was at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo for a few months in the summer of '86.

[ken5050]

Fearless predcition that the next CJC is a Marine...