HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES ...

For most of you, November 10th is just another day. For the special few who have worn the uniform of the United States Marine Corps, we remember this day every year, for it is the anniversary of the initial founding of the United States Marines. Every year battalions and regiments the world over will celebrate this day. The festivities are more than just a 'party', it is a time of reflection for the traditions on which the Marine Corps was built. It is a time to share stories and pass down these traditions to the younger generation of Marines so that our legacy will continue.

For 233 years the United States Marines have been the vanguard for this nation. It's missions have carried them all over the world and into battles long since forgotten about. From the Spanish-American War to the Vietnam Conflict, Marines have been the 'tip' of the spear of America's fighting forces. Marines were the first to land at Guadalcanal in World War II and in Pusan, North Korea, claiming victory in some of the bloodiest land battles ever in US history. The Marine Corps will ever be remembered by the raising of the American flag upon Mount Suribachi after the battle of Iwo Jima. Former Secretary of the Navy James Forestall, shortly after seeing a photo of the flag raising said, "The raising of that flag means a Marine Corps for the next five hundred years."

More than six decades later the Marine Corps continues to answer the call of this great nation. Currently more than 75,000 Marines find themselves in the trenches of Iraq and Afghanistan, engaged in the War on Terrorism. They continue to fight for the fundamental rights that are guaranteed to every American. They ask for no thanks or congratulations. They serve this nation so that you do not have to. So today, a most special day to every Marine, past, present and future, find the nearest Marine that you know and thank him for his service, even more so, let them know that you understand the importance of this day by wishing him a Happy Birthday.