Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps

[Fire Marshal Bill]

Tomorrow, November 10th Marine Corps Birthday celebrating 238 years of service to the country. In 1775 Capt Samuel Nicholas, was authorized to form 2 Battalions of Continental Marines. The Mameluke sword, worn by Marine Corps officer is the longest uniform wear since 1825. The Marine corps button authorized in 1800, is the original original seal of the corps and the oldest piece of uniform wear worn by any branch of the United States Military. The Marine Corps Hymn is the oldest song of the US military forces. (1919). The Marine Corps Band is the oldest military band in the United States and was designated “the President’s Own” by John Adams on New Years day 1801.

The United States Marine Corps has a long tradition of service “in every clime and place”.

Although Marines obviously feel we are the best branch of the United States Military, we do respect those of other branches. But the Marine Corps has many traditions of their own. One being a traditional toast on the Marine Corps Birthday. I would ask everyone, sometime tomorrow to lift your glass (milk, ice tea, soda, or maybe even your favorite alcoholic beverage) and join us in a toast to God, Country and the United States Marine Corps.

Think of those who have served through the years from back in 1775 to those serving today, and take a bit of time to pray for them, and for their families. God bless all United States Marines, past, present and future.

Semper Fi

[Venter]

Bill,
I admire the Marines for many reasons.
Although my Dad was Army, and I love him for that, it seems that other influential people in my life have been Marines.

My former brother-in-law was a Marine.
Of course, as a 13 year old kid, a Marine Pilot was like a GOD!
A Bombardier Navigator, Flying in an A-6 Fighter Jet over Viet Nam... doesn't get much higher than that!

My two High School Art Teachers were also Marines.
Very influential on my eventual career path.
Maybe it was their ability to introduce a sort of discipline into a "non-disciplined" subject like Art!?
Whatever it is, there seems to be an innate willingness, and desire, to share the skills that they've learned, with others.
Almost a Mission to Educate.

I see those same qualities in you.
So... Is it that the Marines that produces men like you - or is it men like you that produce the Marines?

Thanks, and "Happy Birthday!" (and I'll be thinking of all of you especially on Veterans Day, Monday.)




 

[Fire Marshal Bill]

Venter, there is just something about the Corps. As I said I do respect the other branches of the service, but there is a special comradely and fellowship within the Marine Corps that the other branches of the service don’t have.

I believe it starts in Boot Camp. In other branches of the service, you an after a while say, “I can’t handle this and want to quit,” and they let you, but the Marine Corps doesn’t allow it. They may throw you out, but they do not allow you to quit.

I was in the Air Wing, and as some would say, not a real Marine. But I remember coming back from Vietnam the last time, a time when being in uniform was not popular, at every airport while waiting to change planes, there was always someone who would offer to buy me a drink, or something to eat. Only after a bit of conversation they would tell me they were Marines, or their father, son, brother, or daughter were Marines.

I just finished an event with my grandson at cub scouts. Everyone lined up for the evening meal, and there were two mothers there. I waited patiently for the kids and most of the adults. One of the women invited me to jump in line ahead of her. I replied, “no thank you, ladies first.” She responded with “you sound like my husband, I guess it must be a Marine thing.” I thought it was just the right thing to do.

Involved with the Adams County Allied Veterans Council Honor Guard, we still have two WW II Marines who saw service in the Pacific.

You say you know of men who influenced your life that you know are Marines. Did you know Captain Kangaroo, and Mister Rodgers were Marines, as well as Jonathan Winters, Lee Marvin, and Robert Mitchum.

And Veterans day, think of attending the program at the Legion at 11 if you can.