For 232 years, the U. S. Marines have 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 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 – that is what they do.
It was President Kennedy who said: “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.” 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 taken up this mantle and have prevailed. Marines don’t just accept their destiny – they shape it.
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.