Semper Fi - Tom
Happy Birthday indeed!
Kyle Meintzer, Capt., USAF, 4th ACCS 1970-1975
Via Marine Corps Times:
The Corps’ 243rd birthday is just around the corner, and the commandant’s birthday message may have some Marines reaching for the tissues.
The annual birthday message is a tradition birthed under the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John A Lejeune.
Most years the Corps posts a cheesy motivational video.
But this year’s message from Gen. Robert B. Neller, the 37th commandant of the Marine Corps, is a heartfelt reflection on what binds all Marines together and the hardships all Marines share.
Narrated by Neller, the message traces the individual development of a Marine from his early days to their first deployment and senior leadership roles that follow.
The message highlights the misery and difficulties that bind Marines in training and on the battlefield, the sweat and blood that is shed, and the challenges Marines must overcome throughout their career.
It’s a reminder that all Marines are the same, and the Corps has a job to do.
Semper Fi, brothers!
And it's Belleau Wood ... Belleau Wood. Anyone who knows anything about the history of the USMC knows the importance of Belleau Wood to the story of the Corps.
If you're the President of the United States, you drive, walk, or crawl to get there.
You veterans out there. Need I remind you of your code of honor that you swore to the branch of the military you served.
We all had different codes but they were all essentially the same honor, our country, our branch of service. This pig dishonors our brothers that gave all.
Reagan was great at such scenes. George W. wasn't the most eloquent of men, but he understood the significance. Neither Clinton nor Obama knew firsthand, but they did their job and honored those who did.
America has no President.
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Not much support for a helicopter, especially in the rain. You can hit a softball over the town of Belleau, right outside the gate of the Cemetery.
It also is a hard place for a motorcade to drive to without a lot of prior planning. There is not much infrastructure nearby.
Just like when Obama didn't make it his first year in office on Veterans Day to the Tomb of the unknown soldier, Trump will get a pass from me.
Trump was going to go, but weather made for an unsafe flight.
Thunderflight 's Link