Happy Birthday, Marines!

[Andrew]

To all of my brothers and sisters in the Corps, may you be safe and among friends this day.  Happy 234th birthday to you.

HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS
Washington, November 1, 1921


The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt.

    (1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

    (2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and is the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

    (3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

    (4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

    

 

JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General Commandant 

[Mr. DS]

I've never served but I'd like to say a humble thanks as a member of the general public for your service.   

[Trevor]

As the son of a former soldier who served his country of Rhodesia with pride for many years, may I wish the USMC a happy birthday? 

[Mofo Rising]

To Andrew, to all I know who have chosen to serve, thank you.

What you do is the very antithesis of easy, and yet you do it. You already know the good you do, but you don't get to hear the appreciation enough.

I can't make it up here, but thank you.

Thank you.

[trekgeezer]

Please accept the hardy congratulations on the Marine Corps anniversary from this ex-squid from a family of squids (myself and my 5 brothers that all served in the Navy)

[meQal]

I am also a former Navy man and I too salute you and your brothers(and sisters) in your beloved Corps for your anniversary.

[venomx]

Happy Birthday, Marines! ... and thank you. Proud to be an American.

[Psycho Circus]

Happy Birthday and cheers! 

[BoyScoutKevin]

And in celebration of an important birthday, let us remember what that great poet John Wayne said, while he was on "Laugh-in."

"The sky is blue.
The grass is green.
Get off your duff.
And join the Marines."

We thank you.
And I thank you.
And many more birthdays to come.

[Andrew]

Thanks to everyone.  Katie and I went to the birthday ball last night and had a great time eating and talking with fellow Marines, past and present.  The guest of honor was a Colonel who served in WWII, including bloody Peleliu and Okinawa.  He had five daughters (wow!) all of who were seated at the table behind us.