Today is the 238th anniversary of the birth of our Corps of Marines.
Observing and learning about the current
generation of young Marines, I'm filled with pride at their accomplishments,
particularly over the recent ten plus years of combat. Fighting and dying, they
have written new chapters to be added to our hallowed history. Battles like Fallujah have joined the annals of history alongside Khe Sanh, Iwo Jima, and Belleau Wood. Luckily, I
live near three Marine Corps installations and get to see Marines each and
every week. Volunteering at one of the installations, I have the
privilege of speaking with some of these terrific Americans. Pride and
determination remain constants for those currently wearing the Eagle, Globe,
and Anchor. About these young Marines, I
have neither doubt nor concern.
However, I do hold doubt and concern
about the near and long term futures of our beloved Corps. I doubt the support of
elected officials. I doubt the recognition by some liberals of the need
for America's force in readiness. I am concerned political expediency and correctness
appear to come before combat readiness. The small number of
military veterans holding public office is concerning. I am concerned about civilians, with no
military experience, using the uniformed services as their private social
science laboratory. I am concerned about folks who have never been responsible for the lives of others talking so glibly about their views of what the military should or should not be.
Even with these concerns and doubts, I go
back to the young Marines I encounter. Volunteers all, they have a firm
grasp on the imperatives by which Marines live. The Sergeant who
comments about ensuring his Marines are ready to deploy, NOW! The Corporal
escorting new Marines around the base as they check in. The Staff Sergeant stating concern for
encroaching political correctness. The Gunny saying the traditions of the
Corps are more important than ever. The Company XO who reported some of
his Marines were pissed off at not receiving the CAR after a tour in
Afghanistan. I watched the Honor Detail at the funeral of a Vietnam Marine vet, at
which the First Lieutenant, Staff sergeant, and ten Sergeants and below, all volunteers
for the duty, perform immaculately…worthy of 8th and I. Supporting the
funeral for a Marine Major who died in a traffic accident, I watch the Sergeants and
below from his command line both sides of the street and Present Arms as the
hearse bearing the coffin from the chapel rolls slowly past them. While
speaking with a determined Corporal, when he discovered (from others) my
retired status, he made a point to thank me for my service. These are some of America's best - United States Marines.
Once more, even with doubts and concerns,
I remain convinced the Corps continues to be the finest fighting force, because of these young warriors.
Too many have sacrificed too much over too many years for it not to be.
The young ones today display the determination to carry on.
Before closing, I also want to comment
briefly about Marine veterans with whom I come into contact. Uniformly,
their pride and patriotism set them apart. Whether they be members of a
Patriot Guard Rider mission supporting the funeral of am female Army Captain KIA in
Afghanistan; the sales manager at the local Harley Davidson dealership; my
neighbor around the corner; or the gent I met in airport during recent travels,
once a Marine, always a Marine. The brotherhood
continues. Growing long in the tooth and graying, I've entered the time
in a Marine's life when reunions are being held with fellow Marines. These Marine vets, some
who did three years and some who did 20 or 30, are proud…justifiably proud.
Because they earned the title Marine!
And that, my brothers, sets you and I
apart from the rest of our Nation.
Semper Fidelis and Happy Birthday!
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