Happy Birthday Marines!

Today is the 232nd Birthday of the Marine Corps. Happy Birthday to all Marines, past and present!

GENERAL LEJEUNE'S MESSAGE
On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the
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.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 it's existence the Marine Corps has been
in action against the nations foes. From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne.
Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in 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.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.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 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.

If you see a Marine today - tell him or her Thank you and Happy Birthday!