1775 -- 2009

On this day 234 years ago Capt. Samuel Nicholas formed two battalions of Continental Marines, thus inscribing the first page of a remarkable war-fighting legacy unmatched in the world.

My young Marine comrades in Iraq and the Af-Pak theater are at this moment writing the latest chapter in our order of battle, and it is my deeply-held belief that these are the finest Marines in Corps history. 

It is said that “the Old Corps” begins the day you take the oath, which gives you immediately bragging rights over those who follow your date of enlistment… even by a day; of course it’s all just so much good-natured kidding between the generations.

I have never heard a Marine seriously suggest that Marines back in ‘42 or ‘62 or ‘82 are “better” than whatever present-day version they are comparing.

First, while the Marine Corps has always been a volunteer outfit except in times of great national need, like WWII and Vietnam, today’s smaller, all-volunteer military has doubled-down on the Corps’ well-known espirit de corps.

Secondly, as physical specimens capable of accomplishing what is expected these days… they are more than remarkable… they are unique. Most of them are simply “studs”, committed to getting the most strength, speed and endurance out of their bodies. Most do not smoke, drinking is not the preferred pastime it was “back in the Old Corps”… it’s going to the gym.

Hell… they now exercise in 110-degree heat in between firefights.

My point?

Every generation of Marines wants to leave the Corps better than they found it, and for the most part we have fulfilled that responsibility… for the entire history of the United States.

For Marines, from their first shocking moments in “receiving barracks”, our history is stressed to the point of near-religious fervor. Woe betide the boot who cannot remember the Corps’ first Commandant (the above-named Capt. Nicholas 1775-1783) or the name of the edged weapon that today’s Marine Officer’s Sword is patterned after (Mameluke). 

In this way, the legacy of the Corps comes alive for young Marines and they quickly learn that when history’s Marines are off-duty from guarding Heaven’s gates, they look down, watching.

No Marine worth the title, would ever let down those who came before, because they entrusted him with the honor of the Corps. 

Seeing the our flag freely flying atop Mt. Suribachi on 23 February 1945, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal said, “… this means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years.”

Since then, Marines have paid the down-payment on the first 64 years.

My friends of Real America…. if you, unlike the President’s wife, are always proud of this great nation, but you need a little inspiration, please spend a few minutes with Command Gen. James T. Conway as he pays tribute on our Birthday to your United States Marine Corps:

A tip of the helmet to my long-time friend and comrade, Maj. Dave, and fellow Marine Teena Hubbard for passing along some of these quotes:

The United States Marine Corps, with its fiercely proud tradition of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth. -- Thomas E. Ricks; Making the Corps, 1997

There was always talk of espirit de corps, of being gung ho, and that must have been a part of it. Better, tougher training, more marksmanship on the firing range, the instant obedience to orders seared into men in boot camp. -- James Brady, columnist, novelist, and Marine

 

I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued: pride, honor, integrity, and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past. -- Cpl. Jeff Sornij, USMC; in Navy Times, November 1994

I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get it here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my right. I will hold.   1stLt. Clifton B. Cates, USMC, Belleau Wood, 19 July 1918

 

You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth- and the amusing thing about it is that they are. -- Father Kevin Keaney 1st Marine Division Chaplain, Korean War

 

The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle. -- Gen. John "Black Jack" Pershing, U.S. Army, AEF Commander, World War I

 

Do not attack the First Marine Division. Leave the yellowlegs alone. Strike the American Army. -- Orders given Communist troops in the Korean War; shortly afterward, the Marines were ordered not to wear their khaki leggings.

 

Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary. Gen. A. M. Gray, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps

 

The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps! -- Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945

 

Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.
President Ronald Reagan, 1985

Semper Fi, Marines!

Comments

[chicopanther]

I heard that the Marines never consider themselves surrounded--it's just an opportunity to attack in any direction!

Semper Fi, you Devil Dogs!

chicopanther

[pontiff alex]

Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. We Americans, and many, many others, are free at your behest. SEMPER FIDELIS

[Megan (MOH Recipient John Baca's daughter)]

Happy Birthday!

[Hap Arnold]

I was not and am not a Marine, but I proudly count a number of lifelong friends among the Corps' ranks.

Hap