For 235 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 to 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.

It was former National Security Advisor to President Obama, James L. Jones, who said when he was Commandant of the Marine Corps, “We are United States Marines, and for two and a quarter centuries we have defined the standards of courage, espirt and military prowess.” 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 the streets of Safar in Helmand Province, 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.