For 246 years, the U.S. Marine Corps has answered the call when this nation had a wrong it 
needed made right. It is sometimes easy to forget that liberty and freedom are not free. Its price has been paid in the blood and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. Since 1775, the U.S. Marines have boldly and bravely marched toward the sounds of the guns and have fought fiercely and honorably to defeat the enemies of this nation. We are Marines – that is what we do.
In 1997, former Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak said, “For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we win battles.” Whether it was the wheat fields of Belleau Woods, or the snows of the Chosin, or the streets of Hue city, or the alleys of Fallujah, or Safar in Helmand Province, or the airport at Kabul, Marines have proudly defined the standards of the world’s most elite military organization.
On November 10th, 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 the sacrifice of 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.
