Happy Birthday Marines!!

[Colorado700R]

234 years of kicking ass all over the world!!

One of the most famous Marine customs is the observance of the Marine Corps
Birthday. Since 1921 the birthday of the Marine Corps has been officially
celebrated each year on 10 November, since it was on this date in 1775 that
Continental Congress resolved, "That two Battalions of Marines be
raised...." Over the years the Marine Corps Birthday has been celebrated in
a wide variety of ways, depending on the location and circumstances of the
Marine units. The celebration involves the reading of an excerpt from the
Marine Corps Manual and a birthday message from the Commandant; the cutting
of a birthday cake by the commanding officer; and the presentation of the
first and second pieces of cake to the oldest and youngest Marines present.
Recently, the ceremony for the observance of the Marine Corps Birthday by
large posts and stations has been incorporated into written directives.



A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

United States Marines represent the best young men and women our Nation has
to offer. To be a Marine is to be a member of America's warrior class - to
be one of the few who steps forward with the courage and conviction to face
whatever dangers await.  Our Nation expects her Marines to be ready when the
Nation calls; to leave family and the comforts of home behind; to march into
battle and thrive under austerity; and to come home under a victory pennant.

From Al Anbar in the west of Iraq, to Helmand Province in the south of
Afghanistan, our Corps of Marines can always expect to be found where the
fight is toughest. Such is our history. Today, as we write the final chapter
on our victory in Iraq, we will increasingly take the fight to the enemy in
Afghanistan and add new pages to our legacy in places called Delaram, Now
Zad, and Garmsir. One day, we will return to our naval heritage and patrol
the high seas with our Navy brothers. Such is our future.

As we celebrate our Corps' 234th Birthday, we first pause to reflect and pay
tribute to those Marines who have given the last full measure in defense of
freedom. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Marine Corps families - the
unsung heroes who endure hardship and sacrifice so that we are able to go
forward and accomplish any mission. We extend our appreciation to our
countrymen who have answered our every need. And we celebrate the
magnificent men and women who willingly and selflessly continue to go into
harm's way to protect this great Nation.

To all who have gone before, to those who wear the uniform today, and to the
families that give us the strength to forge ahead - I wish you all a
heartfelt Happy 234th Birthday!

Semper Fidelis,

James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps



The Marines' Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make
me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best
self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to
live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without
shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a
Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm.
Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal
and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine
Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my
leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me
daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt;
steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss
the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and
grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.


Happy Birthday Brothers/Sisters

Aaron
SSGT USMC
7236
1996-2004

[Peelz]

very cool, happy b-day indeed. I was almost a Marine. And: Just spent a night of drinking with a bunch of vets at the vfw for Dad's retirement party. Good folk.

[Lady4Fiddy]

I am honored to be with a Marine. I am proud of everything you are Aaron, and everything you stand for.

What a privilege it is to have Marines (as well as others) to protect, serve and sacrifice for our country.


Happy Birthday Marines!

[Firemann32]

Happy Birthday, I wished my other crew member the same.

[Krandall]

Happy Belated Birthday Gentlemen. Thank you for everything that has been done, being done, and will be done.