You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced, to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth – and the amusing thing about it is that they are…You should see the group about me as I write- dirty, bearded, their clothing food-spattered and filthy- they look like the castoffs of creation. Yet they have a sense of loyalty, generosity, even piety greater than any men I have ever known. These rugged men have the simple piety of children. You can’t help loving them, in spite of their language and their loose sense of private property. Don’t ever feel sorry for a priest in the Marines. The last eight weeks have been the happiest and most contented in my life.
 Father Kevin Keaney, 1st MarDiv Chaplain, Korean War
Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and 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 enlisted 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 enlisted and commissioned to serve 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 first and second 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.
Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the General.
As a former Navy man, I have some connection to the Marine Corps. I spent two and a half years giving Marines rides around the Pacific on my first ship.
A good friend of mine was a Navy Corpsman Greg and served with the Marines in Vietnam. After his discharge he joined the Marines, went to OCS, and was assigned to the Fleet Marines. He likes to say he joined the Navy and slogged through the mud with the Marines, and then he joined the Marines and sailed with the Navy!
The ship I was on USS Dubuque (LPD-8) embarked up to around ( I think) about 1500 troops.
Speaking of Navy Corpsmena in Vietnam, one of dad’s cooworkers lost one of his sons, a Navy Corpsman who was KIA in Vietnam while serving with the Marines.
Please pray for my brother-in-law. He is going to undergo a procedure next Weds. to determine if he has lung cancer. I spoke to him the day after the election and he coughed so violently he could barely get a sentence out. He has had numerous health issues and surgeries over the past 5 years and my sister, who is a RN, is very afraid the diagnosis will be dire. He is 6 ft. tall and now weighs 125 lbs.
He is one of the kindest, most generous men I know, my conservative ally when we talk politics with our liberal relatives. He has helped me and others, financally and in other ways, many times.
Please pray.
I was in mourning for my country earlier this week. Now I am in very real fear of losing a man who is more like a brother than a brother-in-law to me.
Prayers on the way Donna!
Please be assured that my prayers are already on the way. My dad served in the Royal Navy ,fleet air arm in WW II and got his flying training in the US in Lewiston ,Maine and Pensacola. So I have a particular affinity with and am grateful to the US navy Without whose help I might not have been born. I too served in the Royal Navy latterly with 3 Commando brigade , Royal Marines. Best job ever! I prayed to St Peregrine patron of cancer sufferers. I pray too that your faith will sustain you through these difficult times. AMDG.
Thank you, gentlemen.
Right before the Walker recall election, I went to confession and told a young priest of my fears for my country and my state. (BTW, this priest is an interesting character – he was a college football star and was going to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns when he heard and obeyed the call to the priesthood. He is a very strictly orthodox priest. I’ll wager that very few make a transition from the gridiron to the priesthood. )
He told me that that I should not put my faith in princes or politicians, but in the Lord. He told me faith is especially important during these trying times when the culture has become so debased and ugly.
I am remembering his words now. It is a time of great trial for all of us, and a very difficult time personally. I appreciate your prayers very much.
James hughes, I know a (now retired) Marine who conducted joint training operations with the Royal Marines back in the 1980’s and his respect for them was very great. He said they were a crack outfit full of fine, dedicated men.