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Happy 241st Birthday (A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS)

Happy 241st Birthday (A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS)

Each year on or around 10 November, Marines gather in groups large and small to celebrate our history, honor the memory of those who have gone before us, and rekindle the bond that unite all generations of Marines. This year, we mark the 241st anniversary of our Corps- 241 years of uncommon valor, innovation, and combat excellence.

Marines, we are part of something bigger than any of us could imagine. Whether you fought in the battles of World War I, in the Pacific during World War II, in Korea or Vietnam, in Desert Shield or Desert Storm, or in the street of Iraq and Afghanistan – or you are just starting out on your Marine Corps journey- we are all part of an elite family of warriors. For the rest of your life, the first term people use to describe you will be “Marine.”

When the Continental Congress stood up two battalions of Marines in 1775, a culture of discipline, vigilance, professionalism, and military excellence was born that characterized our Corps for nearly two and a half centuries. As Marines, we have a profound respect for our traditions and heritage, and for taking care of each other. We know we’re strongest when we’re together as a team. Wherever you are celebrating our Corps’ birthday this year, look around at the Marines beside you and remember the bonds forged in training, in garrison, and in combat. Take this time to reconnect.

We are Marines for life. It’s our responsibility, our duty, to maintain and build upon the legacy of those who have gone before us. What we do today, guided by what we’ve learned from past generations, will determine the future of our Corps. So as we celebrate this 241st anniversary of our Corps, we also look ahead an prepare for our next success. Take pride in carrying our legacy forward.

Happy Birthday Marines!

Semper Fidelis,
Robert B. Neller
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps

Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or submit your own story!

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Comments

Pete E - June 16, 2020

Our Corps lives on. Unfortunately my time with this news letter doesn’t. I have just unsubscribed since I find the new format cumbersome and irritating.

James Howerton - June 16, 2020

Ooohrah! Thanks to ALL Marines that have served in the Brotherhood, from those just starting, to those retired and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It makes me proud to have earned the title “Marine” and will all my life. I love the Corps; I was medically retired against my will for repeated injuries to my spine and the Navy, in it’s typical fashion, wanted to board me out with a payment of approximately $35,000 (this was back in 1990). I appealed, first the doctor’s decision that my back couldn’t be fixed by going to Oakland Naval Medical Center for a second opinion, then to the University Washington for a third opinion. The spine specialist surgeon at UW felt he could repair what was wrong, so I was excited. But the Navy said, no, and they overruled his prognosis and they went ahead with the Medical Board. I also then appealed the Navy’s decision that I only rated a 30% (I believe) disability rating which would have made me unable to retire. This is where my fellow Marines came in. My C.O., Col. McPherson, my SgtMaj, my NCOIC, etc. all swore affidavits stating what they had witnessed with my condition and the type of Marine I was (NOT a sh*tbird). Their affidavits, along with those supplied by some civilian personnel and the outstanding work of a Lt J.G., changed the Medical Board’s ruling to 70% for my back and 20% for my shoulder (which was a different injury). The VA then ruled I was 100% unemployable. If not for the Marines sticking by me, I’d probably be homeless now and that is no exaggeration since I’m unable to do the easiest tasks anymore at 59 years of age. I can’t imagine how tough it must be for some of those who came back missing limbs, being in a wheel chair or even being blind. It’s one reason I try to contribute as much as I can to organizations like Wounded Warrior or DAV. Semper Fidelis and Happy Birthday to ALL Marines!!!

Wayne Whitehead - June 16, 2020

The only danger we face to continued success is our political leadership. Vote carefully…always!

Kenneth James Mumford - June 16, 2020

Totally agree with Sgt. Bassent, new format disappointing to say the least. Current newsletter has five submissions if you count Commandant’s birthday wish. Year ago on 11/4/15 newsletter contained TWENTY-FOUR! Please shape up before many of us ship out.
Cpl. Mumford

GySgt Carrizosa USMC (ret) - June 16, 2020

The older I get the prouder I am for having served with the US Marines. ’71-’93
Happy 241st Birthday to all who have served in the USMC

Rudy Gibbs - June 16, 2020

Simper – fi god bless

Sgt Luckey - June 16, 2020

Happy Birthday Jarheads! Semper Fi.

Christopher Stacey - June 16, 2020

Happy Birthday Marines ! 241 and STILL going STRONG ! OOH-RAH !
SEMPER FI !

Ken VanHooser - June 16, 2020

Semper Fi and Happy Birthday to all my fellow Marines. Enjoy your celebration but be careful

Mor Weir - June 16, 2020

To all Marines, Past and present, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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