Semper Fi my brothers. Below is the Commandants message for our birthday, number 242
The Beauty of Risk LtCol Gregory A. Thiele
10 NOVEMBER 2017 A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
Seventy-Five years ago today, after months of fighting at Henderson Field and along Edson’s Ridge, Marines on Guadalcanal spent the night of 10 November 1942 planning and preparing. Although the Battle of Guadalcanal would continue for three more months, the plans laid on our Corps’ most sacred day became integral to the amphibious campaigns that followed. Success at Guadalcanal proved to be the turning point that ultimately paved the way for Allied victory in the Pacific. Those warriors defended their positions in brutal conditions against a formidable enemy – and triumphed. Through every major conflict our Nation has seen since the Revolution, Marines performed their duty with utmost courage, devotion, and raw determination. Their valiant deeds in the face of overwhelming challenges give us confidence and inspire us to meet the trials of today. As we pause to celebrate the birth of our Corps this year, we honor the legacy that was passed down to us and we recommit ourselves to carrying those traditions into the future.
This November 10th marks 242 years of warfighting excellence. At places like Trenton, Tripoli, Chapultepec, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Chosin, Khe Sanh, Fallujah, Sangin, and so many others, Marines have fought with an inner spirit – a spirit that bonds us, binds us together as a cohesive team. It’s that intangible spirit that has formed the foundation of our warfighting reputation for the past 242 years. Now it’s our responsibility to ensure we honor and carry on that legacy. The American people expect a Corps of men and women who are committed, selfless, willing to sacrifice, who epitomize honor, courage, commitment, virtue, and character. We owe our Nation and our predecessors no less.
Today, as we celebrate our 242nd birthday, we must remember who we are, where we came from, and why we’re here. We must remember the past, honor those who are no longer with us, focus on today’s battles, and get ready for tomorrow. We can and will prevail as we always have, in any clime and place. But we must prevail together, united by the unyielding spirit in each of us that makes our Corps unique – that willingness to put our Corps and fellow Marines ahead of ourselves. Victory in battle comes through the integrated efforts of many – teamwork. We value the sacrifices and contributions of every Marine and Sailor, as well as our family members without whose support we would not be able to accomplish our mission. And we remain committed to being our Nation’s Expeditionary Force in Readiness that sets the standard for honor, discipline, and courage. I am proud of each and every one of you. Happy Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fidelis,
Robert B. Neller
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
November 10, 2017, 05:53 AM
SgtGold
Happy 242 to the USMC!
_____________________________ 'I'm pretty fly for a white guy'.
November 10, 2017, 06:00 AM
Blume9mm
Thanks, it is days like this that I miss my father... he was one of the 'Chosin Few'.
My Native American Name: "Runs with Scissors"
November 10, 2017, 06:01 AM
Tailhook 84
Happy Birthday, Marines! Today I will celebrate with a toast of bourbon with my FIL, a Marine and Korean War vet. He made the Inchon landing all the way through to Chosin and made it out alive but with severe frostbite on his toes. He was one hell of a man and still is today. (And I still can't believe he allowed his #1 daughter to marry this Squid!)
Salute!
"The Truth, when first uttered, is always considered heresy."
November 10, 2017, 06:07 AM
Valpo Fz
The Marine Corps and some hard men that were in it took a thug,punk with no moral compass and turned him into a decent human being and some semblance of a good man. I owe the Marine Corps for everything I have and who I am.
Happy Birthday and Semper Fidelis 1983-2004
" The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State" Art 1 Sec 32 Indiana State Constitution
YAT-YAS
November 10, 2017, 07:05 AM
mbinky
Happy Birthday Gentlemen.
November 10, 2017, 07:37 AM
Sig Marine
Happy Birthday to my Marine Corps brothers and sisters.
Semper Fi...Sig Marine 68-70
____________________________________________________________ Money may not buy happiness...but it will certainly buy a better brand of misery
A man should acknowledge his losses just as gracefully as he celebrates his victories
Remember, in politics it's not who you know...it's what you know about who you know
November 10, 2017, 07:43 AM
Warhorse
Happy 242nd Birthday Marines!
USMC 1975-1979
____________________________ NRA Life Member, MGO Annual Member
"It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it works out for them"
November 10, 2017, 07:57 AM
Gibb
Semper Fi gentlemen!
I shall respect you until you open your mouth, from that point on, you must earn it yourself.
November 10, 2017, 08:34 AM
Ironbutt
Me 1966 & my Dad 1941
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"It's hard to imagine a more stupid or dangerous way of making decisions, than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong." Thomas Sowell
November 10, 2017, 08:38 AM
flashguy
Happy Birthday, USMC! And Semper Fidelis! Thank all Marines for their service (well, all military, of course, but Marines especially today).
flashguy (20 years USAF, and grateful for all those who dodged bullets)
Me 1966 & my Dad 1941
