For 234 years, the U. S. Marine Corps has answered the call of this nation whenever it had a wrong it needed made right. It is easy 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 the current National Security Advisor to President Obama, James L. Jones, who said when he was Commandant of Marine Corps, “We are United States Marines, and for two and a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of courage, esprit, and military prowess.” From the wheat fields of Belleau Wood, to the snows of the Chosin, to the streets of Hue City, to the alleys of Fallujah, Marines have proudly defined the standards for the world’s most elite military organization.
On November 10, 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.