Edit: The Marines YouTube channel apparently took the video down, but we found it reposted by another user. Check it out below.
With the Marine Corps’ Nov. 10 birthday fast approaching, the Marines have released the commandant’s annual birthday message.
Take some time out to watch this 15-minute video, guaranteed to give you chills.
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The video opens with Marine veterans of all ages reciting their oath of service.
Cut to Marine Corps commandant Gen. Jim Amos and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett standing at the Marine Corps memorial near Washington, D.C.
Amos notes that this year marks a number of key anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of the 2nd Marine Division landing on Tawara; the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Hue City in Vietnam; and the 10th anniversary of the assault on Baghdad, Iraq.
“In every contest of combat, Marines have been successful because of our ethos and our absolute determination. This is who we are,” Barrett said. “Marines understand martial spirit. The warrior character of our Corps has been hard earned by all who have gone before. And no matter the odds, Marines will continue to carry the day with distinction and valor.”
Decorated veterans of battles from Tarawa to Fallujah recount decisive moments in the battles.
Retired Lt. Gen. George R. Christmas, a Navy Cross recipient, describes a moment of improvisation during the Battle of Hue City suggested and carried out by a lance corporal.
“That’s called lance corporal ingenuity and PFC power,” he said. “It’s alive and well today.”
Later, Afghanistan veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer makes an appearance.
“As we celebrate 238 years of defending our constitution and the American people, Sgt. Maj. Barrett and I want you to know how proud we are of all of you,” Amos says toward the end of the video. “Because of you, gathered here tonight, our Corps remains strong, ready to respond to any crisis in any clime and place.”
Happy birthday, Marines! What do you think of this year’s birthday message?
5 Comments
I think this CMC and SgtMajofMC are a disgrace to our beloved Corps. They are nothing more than political puppets. I think when they get the order to turn on Americans they will be faced by true Marines that will take them down along with all the other treasonous politicians. They forget about all the Marines that still believe in our oath to God, Country, and Corps. I for one will live by that oath until I join with all my brother and sister Marines that have gone before me. SEMPER FI!
My Uncle told my Grandma that I was on the Dust heap of school and would end up on the Dust heap of life. She whispered, ” We all march to the grave yard, keep doing the best you can at everything you do.”
Regardless of any of our opinions of any of the leadership, we, as Marines, know what the right thing is and we know what we need to do to live by our oath and take care of our Marines. As the video says, we are the example. We are America’s best. This video gave me chills as every birthday video has. It’s not because of who the Commandant or who the SgtMajor of the Marine Corps are that particular year, it’s about the Marines. It has and will always be about the Marines. The junior Marines who are the future of our Marine Corps. It is up to every single one of us in leadership positions to ensure the existence of the Marine Corps and I will make sure I do all I can to ensure it’s survivability. With cuts happening like they are today, imagine waking up tomorrow and its announced that America no longer needs a Marine Corps? NCO’s, SNCO’s and Officers all need to take charge and make sure our young Marines are doing the right thing every single day and stop doing things to give a black eye to the Marine Corps. Remember all you’ve gone through to become one of the few and the proud. One of America’s finest. Don’t throw it all away by doing the wrong thing.
So, Wayne Harper, it doesn’t matter who is in charge, it matters that we, as Marines, know what is right and we should all be doing the right thing no matter what. It’s not only the “Marine Thing” to do, it’s just a part of being a human being…
Semper Fidelis……
My congratulations to “Marine O” for his wise comments, spoken like a true Marine. God bless the United States’ Marines and God bless America.
Mother of a Marine
R.C. Pouliotte – Thank you Ma’am. Actually, I am a “she!” 🙂
Semper Fidelis………