Where Do We Get Such Men?

Today we celebrate the 236^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps; tomorrow, we

National Historical Plaque, Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, PA

observe Veterans Day. Allow me a few moments to reflect on what these dates mean to me. Of all my accomplishments, earning the title of Marine is the one that I hold most dear. I have several college diplomas, none of which ever hung on a wall or were even framed. I have worked hard and received a couple of professional certifications, yet you will not find any of these displayed in my home. However, my Honorable Discharge is framed and hanging in my daughter’s bedroom. I will celebrate the event with a shot of Jack and quiet reflection of the good times and those Marines that now guard the streets of Heaven.

My time in service to this country was the source of great pride and many wonderful memories. The Marines I met, worked alongside, went on Liberty with, trained with, and served with represented a cross-section of the United States. There were whites, blacks, Hispanics, Italians, Asians, Christians, Jews, agnostic, rich, poor, Republicans, and Democrats—we represented the United States, this great melting pot that accepted “the tired, the poor, and huddled masses” from around the world. We accepted each other and respected the individual. We swore an oath to “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear the true faith and allegiance to the same, and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

We laced our boots, shouldered our rucksacks, and picked up our rifles to “serve in every clime and place” to defend this great country. We walked in the footsteps of the Marines that came before us. Marines like Presley O’Bannon, Smedley Butler, Lewis “Chesty” Puller, and Dan Daly. We are connected from the newest recruit reporting to Boot Camp to the first “poolie” who signed his name to enlistment papers at Tun Tavern on 10 NOV 1775. Our values of honor, courage, and commitment provide the foundation that enables us to remain “always faithful” to God, Country, and Corps.

Our history is full of memorable events and battles from around the world. From the Civil War to Tripoli (1805), Chapultepec (1847), Belleau Wood (1918), Iwo Jima (1945), Chosin Reservoir, (1950), Khe Sanh (1968), and now the Global War on Terror. We are the finest fighting force in the World. Every recruit at both Parris Island and San Diego along with the officer candidates in Quantico are taught the history of the Corps, its traditions, and the significance of the uniform. Most importantly, Marines are taught to rely on their own abilities and to trust and depend on their fellow Marines. It is through this process, that each Marine becomes a Leader—a Leader who possesses Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

• Honor means we will hold ourselves to a high standard (physical training, education, appearance, etc) and will live by the highest ethical and moral benchmarks. We will treat others with respect, and always act in a responsible manner.
• Courage means we will face our fears and overcome them. We will use all of our training, skill sets, and spiritual, mental, and physical strength to face all challenges that we confront.
• Commitment means we are dedicated to a purpose and determined to see that purpose completed. We will not stop until the goal or mission is done. 

Once a person earns the right to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and claim the title of Marine, they shall forever be a Marine. No one can take the title from us. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. A Leader for Life.

Obviously, I am partial to the Corps but please do not misunderstand—I have great respect for the other branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. I was fortunate to train alongside many great Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Coastguardsmen. Any man or woman who freely volunteers to serve their country in uniform—active or reserve—has my unending gratitude and sincere appreciation.

US Marines at Arlington.

So, as we take a moment to recognize the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day I ask you to reflect on what freedom means to you and your family. Yes, we have differences of opinions, different spiritual beliefs, different backgrounds, and perhaps different political views, but we all live under a flag that represents FREEDOM! This freedom comes at a high cost—one that is never paid in full. Many men and women must live with the physical and emotional scars of battle, while others pay the ultimate price. I encourage you to take your sons and daughters to a National Cemetery and walk it in silence, reading the names, hometowns, and ages of those who died in battle so that we may live free. Be prepared for a rush of emotions from anger to sorrow to pride. The men and women serving in the military today, bring to mind the memorable quote from The Bridges at Toko-Ri, “where do we get such men?” While James Michener wrote this line referencing Naval Aviators, I believe it is still appropriate today. However, I submit we change to line to include women.

If you feel thankful, then donate your time to a Veterans Association, or money to a charity such as Wounded Warrior Project. At the very least, when you see a veteran, tell them “thank you” and give them a hug. If the veteran is a Marine--give them a kiss too.

Semper Fi