The U S Marines, 230 Years Of Outstanding Service
Ken Hughes
November 12, 2005
November 10th was the 230th birthday of the United States Marine Corp. July 10th 1775 the Continental Congress authorized Sam Nicholas, he recruited men to serve as protection onboard the newly formed Continental Navy’s ships during the coming revolutionary war. His original recruiting took place in Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. At wars end in 1783 the Marines were disband then reactivated in 1798. They’ve been a positive force sense.
America’s first venture into international politics came when Lt. Presley O’Bannon and 8 Marines led 300 Arab and other assorted mercenaries and captured Tripoli ending the reign of the Barbary Pirates around Northern Africa.
American Marines have fought with distinction in each of Americas wars. They’ve served with distinction between those wars. American Marines undoubtedly saved more lives and quailed more conflicts than any other force in history. That’s a broad statement to make but the facts bare me out. American Marines have served in every civilized nation and some not so civilized around the world, and have done so since 1798. They are the men and women who keep our Embassies safe. They are the men and women who go first to protect American lives in time of conflict in other nations. They’re the men and women who’re first in combat when wars are inevitable.
The Marine Corp has never relied on conscription for its forces. It’s been a voluntary service from the beginning at Tun Tavern.
Only men and women of the highest quality, both mentally and physically eventually become Marines. One is not a Marine the day he or she enlists, they’re only Marines the day they graduate Boot Camp.
Marines have a proud tradition dating back to 1775 of rarely retreating, seldom surrendering, and nearly always advancing. The Marines have produced fewer Heroes than the other services. That’s not because of lack of performance it’s because what’s heroic to others is just doing their job to a Marine. A Marine’s glory doesn’t come from the metals on their chest, it comes from the uniform they wear. It comes from the pride in wearing the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on their caps. I’ve never seen a disheveled Marine, unless he’d just kicked butt in a bar fight.
I hear from Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, who question the American public’s lack of understanding what these people went through under previous governments. Young Afghan Girls who can now show their faces in public and who can attend school. Young Iraqi girls, who attend school, can hold public office and above all don’t worry about the police coming for their husbands, fathers, and brothers in the middle of the night, these are some of the things US Marines are partially responsible for.
Marines throughout history are noted for having bodies of steel and hearts of butter when it comes to dealing with noncombatants. There may have been exception but they’re few and far between. Pride of self and service is now and has always been the cornerstone of a Marines commitment to the Corp.
This 230th anniversary didn’t garner as much attention with the public as it should have. Perhaps it’ll take another Pearl Harbor, or 9/11 to wake the American public up to the fact It’s the Marines, Army, Airforce, Navy, and Coast Guard, who allow them their complacency. When disaster strikes, it’s always the war protesters who screams the military didn’t do enough to protect them.
We had two days back to back to honor our war heroes, and those who will become heroes. Perhaps we could have done more to celebrate, we didn’t what a pity. Happy birthday to all Marines.
America’s first venture into international politics came when Lt. Presley O’Bannon and 8 Marines led 300 Arab and other assorted mercenaries and captured Tripoli ending the reign of the Barbary Pirates around Northern Africa.
American Marines have fought with distinction in each of Americas wars. They’ve served with distinction between those wars. American Marines undoubtedly saved more lives and quailed more conflicts than any other force in history. That’s a broad statement to make but the facts bare me out. American Marines have served in every civilized nation and some not so civilized around the world, and have done so since 1798. They are the men and women who keep our Embassies safe. They are the men and women who go first to protect American lives in time of conflict in other nations. They’re the men and women who’re first in combat when wars are inevitable.
The Marine Corp has never relied on conscription for its forces. It’s been a voluntary service from the beginning at Tun Tavern.
Only men and women of the highest quality, both mentally and physically eventually become Marines. One is not a Marine the day he or she enlists, they’re only Marines the day they graduate Boot Camp.
Marines have a proud tradition dating back to 1775 of rarely retreating, seldom surrendering, and nearly always advancing. The Marines have produced fewer Heroes than the other services. That’s not because of lack of performance it’s because what’s heroic to others is just doing their job to a Marine. A Marine’s glory doesn’t come from the metals on their chest, it comes from the uniform they wear. It comes from the pride in wearing the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on their caps. I’ve never seen a disheveled Marine, unless he’d just kicked butt in a bar fight.
I hear from Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, who question the American public’s lack of understanding what these people went through under previous governments. Young Afghan Girls who can now show their faces in public and who can attend school. Young Iraqi girls, who attend school, can hold public office and above all don’t worry about the police coming for their husbands, fathers, and brothers in the middle of the night, these are some of the things US Marines are partially responsible for.
Marines throughout history are noted for having bodies of steel and hearts of butter when it comes to dealing with noncombatants. There may have been exception but they’re few and far between. Pride of self and service is now and has always been the cornerstone of a Marines commitment to the Corp.
This 230th anniversary didn’t garner as much attention with the public as it should have. Perhaps it’ll take another Pearl Harbor, or 9/11 to wake the American public up to the fact It’s the Marines, Army, Airforce, Navy, and Coast Guard, who allow them their complacency. When disaster strikes, it’s always the war protesters who screams the military didn’t do enough to protect them.
We had two days back to back to honor our war heroes, and those who will become heroes. Perhaps we could have done more to celebrate, we didn’t what a pity. Happy birthday to all Marines.
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