Hapy Birthday, Marines!.

On November 10th, 1775, The United States Marine Corps was founded by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pa. Appropriately, ‘Tun Tavern’ was the place where history was made.

Since that date Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our country for 232 years and have distinguished themselves “in every clime and place” in such far off lands and remote beaches “from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli”: in France at Belleau Wood; on the infamous Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific islands; at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir in Korea; at Khe Sanh and Hue City in Vietnam; and now throughout Iraq in such towns as Fallujah and the Anbar Province.

Marines historically have heroically answered our country’s call never faltering in their dedication. “Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) is their motto and “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” their creed.

The Marines’ Hymn proclaims “if the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.” Competently so.

I pay silent tribute today and on every November 10th to all those who went before me... and after... having given so much in service to their Corps and country. Now decades older, I clearly remember many with whom I served as young men unselfish in their dedication and unwavering in their loyalty while never questioning their duty to defend our nation. Always with a determined 'Gung Ho' attitude, Marines have stood ready to fight our country’s battles “on the land, in the air, or at sea” wherever and whenever called upon.

And so, on this special day, I will hoist a toast to those Marines, past and present, who have risked their lives for their country and I will especially never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; their memory bolsters my faith in our youth, our steadfast values and our blessed nation.

Happy Birthday, Marines!