Happy Birthday to the U. S. Marine Corps

For 233 years, the U. S. Marine Corps has answered the call of this nation whenever it had a wrong it needed made right. It is easier now than ever to forget that liberty and freedom are not free. Its price has been paid for by the blood and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Since 1775, the Marines have boldly marched to the sounds of the guns and have fought fiercely and honorably to defeat the enemies of this nation. They are Marines – and that is what they do.

It was President Reagan who once said: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.”  From the wheat fields of Belleau Wood, to the snows of the Chosin, to the streets of Hue City, to the alleys of Fallujah, the Marines have proudly made a difference.

On this day, everywhere in the world, wherever there are two or more Marines, the oldest and the youngest will share a slice of birthday cake. This sharing of food, this breaking of bread together, represents the passing of history and traditions from one generation to the next. It is a reminder of a heritage written in sacrifice by those who came before and a challenge to be met by those who carry the Corps’ battle colors now and in the future.

To the few, the proud, the Marines I say: Happy Birthday and Semper Fidelis.