
"Some people spend an entire LIFETIME wondering if they made
a DIFFERENCE. The MARINES don't have that Problem."
-President Ronald Reagan 1985
It is no secret my heart is partial to the Corps. I have often been asked why and it seems to me the answer should be obvious but for those who don't understand or can't comprehend, let me explain.
When you ask a serviceman what branch he serves the responses are "I am in the Army", "I am in the Navy", "I am in the Air Force" but when you ask that same question to those enlisted in the Corps the answer is "I am a Marine". It is an identity. It is who they are not what they do. The honor and pride go far beyond that which is commonly found in the other branches of service.
The Corps teaches tradition, loyalty and honor. Honor, one of the most significant words known to a Marine. Honor is defined by Websters as "high public esteem, fame, glory" and "honesty or integrity in one's beliefs and actions". Ask most anyone what honor means and they will tell the about pride and glory. Ask the youngest of the Corps and you will get something that is buried deep in their heart and soul, "honor is loyalty and dedication to God, Country, Corps, Family, and Self." There is nothing about glory in those words and beliefs. It simply is a way of life.
The tradition of the Corps is as deep as the history of our nation. Before the Declaration of Independence was signed. November 10, 1775 at a meeting of the Second Continental Congress their was a resolution adopted and signed to establish a secret military organization. The resolution created the Continental Marines and is now formally observed as the birthdate of the United States Marine Corps. The fame and tradition of those men lives today.
"Resolved--That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant colonels, two majors and officers as usual in other regiments; That they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to office or inlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with Maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea, when required. That they be inlisted and commissioned for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: That they be distinguished by the names of the 1st and 2d Battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number, which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of."
All branches of service offer those who enlist a career, a job, the Corps offers a new life ... not to mention a dress blue uniform which is by far the most attractive and handsome uniform of all the services. Don't believe me? Ask any woman .. she'll tell you, nothing is more handsome, distinguished, than a man in Marine dress blues.
Why do I love the Corps? Once a marine, always a Marine .... You can take the man out of the Marines but you can't take the Marine out of the man .. tradition ... honor ... It is a way of life, 24/7 ... and let's not forget, that dress blue uniform ....
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A Warrior's heart is not of cold steel...
he controls his pain to continue to fight and kill.
A Warrior's mind is not of war...
he controls his pain to continue to believe in what he's fighting for.
A Warrior's love is never felt....
he controls his pain to live with the hand he has been dealt.
DDoggUSMC- 03/16/2003
The U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force all have their own "songs,""Anchors Aweigh," "The Caisson Song," and "Off We Go into the Wild Blue Yonder" but the Marines have their "Hymn!"
The Marine Corps Hymn
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marines.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
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"Semper Fi"
The motto of the Marines, "Always Faithful".
"Esprit de Corps"
The spirit of a unity, implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for teamwork, history, traditions and honor.
"Gung Ho"
The chant of the Marines, TeamWork, emphasizing that no Marine is ever alone on the battlefield and that Marines work together to accomplish their missions.
"OohRah"
The Battle Cry of the Marine Corps also used to show agreement and excitement.
"First to Fight"
Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Corps. They have carried out over 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the poles to the tropics. Their record of readiness reflects pride, responsibility and acceptance of challenge.
We stole the eagle from the Air Force,
The anchor from the Navy,
The Rope from the Army,
And on the seventh day when GOD rested,
We overran his perimeter and stole the globe,
And have been protecting our shores ever since.
The UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Time tested, proven excellence.
-Unknown
Boot Camp

Parris Island, SC, Marine Boot Camp
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif
Marines in Japan
Marines on Okinawa
Marines on Futenma Air Base
Marines on Iwakuni Air Station
Marines in Georgia
Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Gordon
Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany GA
United States Marine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon
Arlington National Cemetery
Beirut Memorial Online
Beirut, Lebanon Peacekeepers Stamp
Grunt.com
This website is filled with marine links. A must see.
Marine Terminology
Marine Lingo

This page dedicated to all those at Camp Hanson, Okinawa, Japan
who are waiting to come home.
graphics ©TequilaRose
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