Thursday, March 28, AD 2024 11:53pm

Happy 239th Birthday to the Corps!

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

 

 

On November 10, 1775 the Continental Congress passed this resolution authored by John Adams:

“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; 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 with advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present War with Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress; that they be distinguished by names of 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.”

I have always admired Marines, in spite of my having been part of the Green Machine during my long ago peace time military servitude.  Here is a recent example of why I admire them:

Retired Marine Maj. “Fox” Sinke says he has received threatening phone calls from Arabic speakers since he stood guard at Canada’s National War Memorial last week.

But as he told police: “If they’re looking for a fight, they came to the right guy.”

Sinke said he received at least two phone calls on Tuesday from people who screamed at him in Arabic and then hung up.

“The only words I recognized were ‘kill you,’ because I’ve heard them before,” he said.

When Sinke told police about the phone calls, he added, “I promise you this: If they come here, they’ll die here.”

Sinke is a decorated veteran who did tours in Vietnam and received five Purple Hearts. When Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, a Canadian service member, was shot and killed last month while guarding Canada’s war memorial, Sinke felt obligated to honor the fallen hero.

“The murder of the young Cpl. Cirillo was so despicable and craven that I just couldn’t find it within myself to do nothing,” said Sinke, a dual Canadian-American citizen.

So Sinke, who lives in Canada, donned his Marine uniform and sword and went to the memorial to stand guard on Friday. He told local media that he came to pay tribute to fallen comrade in arms and he wanted to show that Canadians will not be intimidated.

Go here to read the rest.   Admiral Chester Nimitz said of the Marines on Iwo Jima:  Among the Americans serving on Iwo island, uncommon valor was a common virtue. Major Sinke is an indication that such remains the case among Marines.

 

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Mary De Voe
Monday, November 10, AD 2014 9:59am

Semper Fi… I love the Marines.

T. Shaw
T. Shaw
Monday, November 10, AD 2014 11:41am

Seen many years ago in “Reader’s Digest – Humor in Uniform.”

Medics radio transmission from WWII south seas depot island:
.

“We have a case of beri-beri.”
.

HQ response: “Give it to the Marines. They’ll drink anything.”

Philip
Philip
Monday, November 10, AD 2014 4:12pm

If you would please allow me to say thanks to a special Marine. He goes by the nick name “K”. He drives tour buses and was our driver for a group of WWII vets & their loved ones to D.C. a few years back.

His love for country and fellow vets was extraordinary and unforgettable. He was the personification of honor.

If you ever use a “Diamond Tour” transportation using their bus fleet and you meet K, you’ll soon know why He is worth mention.

Thanks everyone.

Tamsin
Tamsin
Monday, November 10, AD 2014 7:20pm

Semper Fi

Andriyana K Gonzalez
Andriyana K Gonzalez
Tuesday, November 11, AD 2014 7:34am

Yes, God Bless the Marine Corps! I am proud to have my brother and my son as Marine veterans – different generations of Proud Marines! St. Michael the Archangel, Patron Saint of the Marines protect them always! Thank you for remembering the Marines Mr. McClarey.

Maureen
Maureen
Tuesday, November 11, AD 2014 7:55pm

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