Belated 225th Birthday

Subject: Belated 225th Birthday
From: folk1234
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:31 AM

On 10 November 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that time many thousand men and women have proudly borne the name "Marine". Known primarily for their successes on the battlefields of history, Marines also have served throughout the world in times of natural disaster and civil disruption.
Although battle-hardened, Marines know how to celebrate their birthday. Perhaps this has something to do the location of the first recruiting drive, Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Each year on 10 November, Marines gather together to toast the birth of their Corps. Whether it be c-ration pound cake and bomb-crater coffee hurriedly downed during a lull in the battle, or a perfect standing rib roast served on fine china, Marines pay homage to their predessors and renew their vows of "semper fi" on this special day.
This year I had the privledge of sharing this special day, our 225th birthday, with 21 other retired and fromer Marines and their spouses at a modest celebration in Ada, OK. In keeping with tradition, the oldest Marine present (86 years old) got the first piece of cake, and the youngest Marine (31 years old) got the second piece.
Please join me in wishing "God-speed and Safe home" to the young men and women serving their country today.

Thank you, Semper fi Captain of Marines (Retired)

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: GUEST,Matt_R
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 10:42 AM

Thanks so much for this thread, folk1234! My Dad just retired from the Corps last year after 24 years. He was a Master Sergeant. After a brief 3-year stint as an MP in Albany, Georgia, my Dad got into mechanics and never looked back. We went from a greasemonkey to the Motor Maintenaince Officer (MMO) for H&S Battalion here at Camp Lejeune. My Mom was also in, for 4 years, and also was an MP, but retired after I was born. My Dad's being in the Marines has taken us all over the place...living in Japan for 3 years ('92-'95) was certainly one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It's there that I REALLY discovered music, and began to get interested in other genres...where I learned to play music...and where working on our family-run "Okinawa Newsletter" laid the path for my future now as a Art major in Image Design.

I even made a particular study of the Marine Corps in the Pacific theater of WWII, one of my favorite historical interests.

Godspeed and Safe home. Ooh rah!

--Matt (USMC brat)

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:22 AM

I may be a pacifist but I grew up with Marines standing guard over our Embassies, wherever I was. Although they failed to protect the Beirut Embassy when daddy was killed, I know very well that their hands were tied and that they were not permitted the kind of security they wanted or preferred. I remain grateful for their efforts on our behalf.
Went to the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville recently, I recommend it to everyone.

On a less serious note, I also grew up with Marines as the only red-blooded American men in the area (West Africa is where I outgrew being JailBait). Whoo boy. And what a party they would throw every year for the Birthday! If I knew how to spell that jarhead grunt, I would!

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: Naemanson
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:30 AM

Funny this should surface now. Today I learned that the little boy who went sledding with my little girl, the son of a former work mate and long time friend, is now in the Marines and stationed in Hawaii at the same base as his Dad. Where does the time go?

My Dad was a Marine also. He was an embassy guard at the American Embassy in Peking just after WWII. His was the last unit to pull out when the Reds ran us out of their country.

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: DougR
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:43 AM

The Marines have a wonderful history, and I have always admired the Corps. They have been at the forefront of every war in which this country has been engaged, particularly in the South Pacific during WW 2, and we should be grateful for the service they have given our country.

DougR

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: Allan C.
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 11:50 AM

Sa-a-al -- oot!

I am proud to say that some of my best friends have been Marines.

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 12:42 PM

Yeah! And some of my best Marines were friends, too!

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: Robby
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 03:53 PM

Semper Fi

My brother was a Marine and is a Nam Vet.

I know you're prepared, but my hopes and prayers are that you'll never have to fight again.
Robby

Subject: RE: Belated 225th Birthday
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 13 Nov 00 - 04:30 PM

Semper Fi, Yours,Aye Aye Sir. Dave