OORAH! Semper Fi! And a Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corp, all who have served, and all who are serving. “During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passes a resolution [on this day in 1775] stating that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.”1
On November 1st, 1921, Gen. John A. LeJeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, penned a “reminder of honorable service” and commanded that it be distributed to all Marines across the world. Since then, this directive has been reissued each year on the birthday of the Corps. Take a moment to read these words.
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
“The inspiring message of our 13th Commandant has left its mark in the hearts and minds of all Marines. By deed and act from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, from Inchon to the Korean Armistice, in interventions from Lebanon to the Dominican Republic, and from the opening battles in Vietnam to the Mayaguez rescue, Marines have continued to epitomize those qualities which are their legacy. The success which they have achieved in combat and the faith they have borne in peace will continue. The Commandant and our many friends have added their hearty praise and congratulations to this, our _____ birthday (underscore supplied.)2
David was a man of war. He acknowledges this in Psalm 144 as well as recognizing that God made him an able soldier. Psalms 144:1-2 says, “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: (2) My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.”
While nobody should ever relish war and bloodshed, we know that as long as we live in a fallen world, this is going to be a common event. Ecclesiastes 3:8 says that there is “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
To our Marines, we say Happy Birthday. To ALL who served or are serving in the United States military, we say THANK YOU. Words cannot express our appreciating for your service. You are worthy of being celebrated as well as honored and respected.
Romans 13:4-7 says, “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
1https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/birth-of-the-u-s-marine-corps
2https://www.mclwestchester.org/knowledge-base/cmc-birthday-messages/general-lejeunes-marine-corps-birthday-message/
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