Happy anniversary to the Marine Corps
posted at 5:30 pm on November 10, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
They have served our nation since before its birth, and strike fear into the hearts of our enemies around the world. The United States Marine Corps celebrates its 233rd anniversary today, and to give our thanks, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings their hymn:
Like many Americans, members of our family have served in the Corps. The First Mate’s father, Paul Flesch, fought in World War II and Korea as a Marine fighter pilot. He saw action in both wars and remained proud of his Corps until his last day — ironically, on the day that we called a cease-fire in Iraq in 1991, a move he predicted would eventually require a second US invasion. I wish I’d gotten a chance to know him better. My uncle Hal also served in wartime, in Vietnam. Like my father-in-law, he rarely speaks about his combat experiences, but he’s another of the fine men of the Marine Corps.
Happy anniversary, Marines. For those who have already served their country, and those who serve it now, thank you so much. (Thanks to Michelle for the reminder.)
Blowback
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Words aren’t enough. Countless thanks to these guys and all our armed forces.
Congratulations on 233 years.
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on November 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
from the shores of Tripoli…
Marines: Fighting Jihadist from Day 1!
jp on November 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
OOO-RAH!!!
Theworldisnotenough on November 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Thank you, Marines. You keep us safe. You secure our freedom. Thank you.
HornetSting on November 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Ooh Rah!
DerKrieger on November 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
God Bless all our Marines and all who choose to serve our country. The families are thanked also for all they do. A very happy birthday for a wonderful group of women and men.
L
letget on November 10, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Semper Fi… and thanks.
espnjunkie on November 10, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Happy, Happy, Happy anniversary! America is proud of our Marine’s
christene on November 10, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Someone needs to go kick Murtha in the balls.
csdeven on November 10, 2008 at 5:35 PM
always faithful and always proving it… thank you… for all you do.
Kaptain Amerika on November 10, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Still can’t believe that POS was reelected. I’m very disappointed in my fellow Pennsylvanians.
DerKrieger on November 10, 2008 at 5:36 PM
When I told my dad that I was playing army, he me “No, your playing Marine.”
espnjunkie on November 10, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Don’t take names. Just keep kickin’ azz.
Thank you, Marines, for securing our freedom on a daily basis.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 10, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Happy anniversary to the Marine Corps and to all of its brave men and women fighting for my freedom!
Go Devil Dogs!
Liberty or Death on November 10, 2008 at 5:37 PM
I’d like to find the old version of Marine Corps hymn that Mark Levin plays on his show. Sounds WWII vintage. Makes me swell with pride to be an American.
DerKrieger on November 10, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Happy Anniversary Grunts and Jarheads!!! Thanks for eveything you’ve done, and everything you’ll do.
Please, please do not embrace “Hope and Change”.
darwin on November 10, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Congratulations, many thanks and Godspeed.
tru2tx on November 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Might be nice to send a Marine or other member of the Armed Services a package to thank them.
http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/send_packages.html
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 10, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Thank you for all that you’ve done, do and will continue to do.
May the new administration not embarrass you and make a mockery of your strength and power that protects us and keeps us free.
Sponge on November 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM
My Marine and I are going to by matching Rifles tonight…
Aren’t we romantic!
Ruger 22′s for bird sporting.
upinak on November 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM
One word: Hawttttttt
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli…
We thank all of you who have served and are serving this blessed land.
And we remember with great appreciation and reverence all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
God Bless the USMC.
kingsjester on November 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Happy Birthday to all of my fellow Marines!!
Note: (It is our birthday, not anniversary).
TPB99 on November 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Put a few celebratory rounds downrange.
whitetop on November 10, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Yeah, my Marine was very turned on when I bought my 30.06 Saturday. I am not sure if he wanted to bring the rifle to bed… LOL! I love my Marine!
upinak on November 10, 2008 at 5:44 PM
To all my fellow Teufel Hundens (Devil Dogs) Happy 233rd Birthday. I will lift a Pint of good ale to you all. OOOHRAHH!
Semper Fi
USMCDevilDog on November 10, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Semper Fi to you USMC!
upinak on November 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Thank you for our Freedom, and the Protection you give Our Families…………..
Seven Percent Solution on November 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Tell me about it, not only did PA vote for that disgusting azz-hat Murtha but the state went to Obambi and sealed McCain’s fate!
What ever happend to that steel spine “steel town” used to have? I’m embarrassed and ashamed for them!
*shakes head*
Liberty or Death on November 10, 2008 at 5:45 PM
In honor of its birthday, the Corps asked Retired Lt. General Ron Christmas to describe what it means to become a Marine. In a video posted on the Marine Corps website, Lt. Gen. Christmas explains, “What really happens, you know, when you get called ‘Marine’ for the first time, two invisible hands reach up and rip your chest cavity open. Another invisible set of hands with a singe and iron singes a globe and anchor in your heart. The same invisible hands close up your chest cavity, and you’re simply never the same again.”
I’m going out to MCRD-San Diego in two weeks to watch my oldest son graduate from Marines boot camp. He’ll be allowed to call himself a Marine for the first time. I’m so proud I can hardly stand it. Oorah!! Happy Birthday, Marines!
dhawbake on November 10, 2008 at 5:47 PM
After this election, I can truly say: We are not worthy.
But I am grateful on my knees to God for you Marines and every other branch of the military.
RightTurnOnly on November 10, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Go Marines!! We love you. God Bless, The Few – The Proud – The Marines. Ooh Rah!
jacobnyc on November 10, 2008 at 5:48 PM
This is a great holiday. I pray that Obama doesn’t do anything to seriously tarnish the reputation of our fine armed forces. My grandfather was a Sergeant Major in the Corps and fought in Vietnam and Korea. I have a great respect for the Corps because of him.
Happy Birthday and thank you for all your great work.
Sir Corky on November 10, 2008 at 5:49 PM
A Few Good Men… and Women!
Semper fi!
(Minus Murtha)
profitsbeard on November 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Happy Birthday and Thank you, Marines.
Kai on November 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Happy 233rd Anniversary and thank you all for your steadfast service to our great nation! God bless each of you and keep you safe from harm.
sinsing on November 10, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Happy Birthday to all my fellow Marines. Semper Fi.
jeffp on November 10, 2008 at 6:02 PM
We’re so proud of you and so ashamed of our Commander in Chump.
marklmail on November 10, 2008 at 6:02 PM
OO-RAH
SEMPER-FI
Happy Birthday to my beloved Corps
RocketmanBob on November 10, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Sweet! Get the stainless model with rubber stock.
TheSitRep on November 10, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Semper Fidelis. Hope to see you guys do well in the coming American Military Coup in support of new elections.
SDSquint on November 10, 2008 at 6:04 PM
After thirteen weeks of hearing the sarcastic “Goodnight, ladies” from our Drill Instructors, I’ll never forget the night before graduation when Sgt Larocco shut the light, paused and said, “Goodnight, Marines.”
Proudest moment of my life.
Happy birthday, Marines.
MikeZero on November 10, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Sit… He and I are buy whatever we can on the shelves they have. And trust me when I say their isn’t much left.
My Marine and I are also buying about 6K worth of ammo. 3k a piece.
upinak on November 10, 2008 at 6:09 PM
There are no words great enough to these proud Americans. Thanks for all you do.
Kevin in Washington State on November 10, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Thank you, and Happy Birthday Marine Corps!
I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to get to know him better, Ed. I’ve been spending as much time as possible getting to know my still living, 83 year-old grandfather better since moving back to VT a couple of years ago. He too was a Marine in WWII, serving on the USS Vella Gulf CVE-111 , which played a role in the initial occupation of Japan, although my grandfather remembers things a bit differently than accounts I’ve read online.
Now, as of a couple weeks ago, my cousin (an Army man) entered Baghdad, and I’m praying for him more and more as attacks have seemed to increase over the past few days… I can only hope it’s a hiccup, rather than a reaction to our election results.
RightWinged on November 10, 2008 at 6:11 PM
In honor of its birthday, the Corps asked Retired Lt. General Ron Christmas to describe what it means to become a Marine. In a video posted on the Marine Corps website, Lt. Gen. Christmas
dhawbake on November 10, 2008
When Lt Gen Christmas was Lt Col Christmas, he was my First Battalion Commander in Boot Camp at Parris Island. Lt Gen Christmas was wounded at Hue during the Tet offensive. dhawkbake my God protect your son, he will be added to my daily prayers. Semper Fi. God Bless the Marine Corps.
USMCDevilDog on November 10, 2008 at 6:13 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEATHERNECKS!!
And may God Bless the United States Marine Corps.
MCPO Airdale on November 10, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Happy birthday to our (slightly) younger, yet often cooler, service – from this Navy vet and her family. Semper Fidelis, and thanks for 233 years of steadfast and honorable service.
Anna on November 10, 2008 at 6:15 PM
As my buddy and a Marine himself said today:
Mr. Joe on November 10, 2008 at 6:15 PM
OOoooooorah!
I wish I could become one. Maybe in January.
Tim Burton on November 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM
WORDS JUST DON’T WORK
There is a special place in heaven.
KBird on November 10, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Mark “The Great One” Levin just came on the air. I know he will give the Marine Corps a shout out tonight.
USMCDevilDog on November 10, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Well again to all my Marien brothers happy Birthday and enjoy the night. Be safe
Semper Fi
USMCDevilDog on November 10, 2008 at 6:21 PM
One of my students is a Marine. I made it a point to wish him a Happy Birthday this morning.
KillerKane on November 10, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Happy Birthday!
My man’s in the Army in Iraq but my biggest influence in life was a Marine. My grandfather was a vet of 2 wars. A Marine until the day he died in his nineties.
May God bless all of you!
tuffy on November 10, 2008 at 6:31 PM
Semper Fidelis to all my jarhead brothers and sisters out there!!
Hoorah!
RightXBrigade on November 10, 2008 at 6:41 PM
To my very good friend Lin who, while small in size, is huge in heart and grit, for her 20+ years in the Corps.
And to all the courageous men and women who have given 233 years of honorable and loyal service to this country…
My profound thanks and admiration.
Kirin on November 10, 2008 at 6:43 PM
Marines…Giving the enemies of America the opportunity to die for their countries since 1775…
semper fi,
Nozzle
Nozzle on November 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Most people go through their entire lives and wonder if they made a difference in the world. Well…The Marines don’t have that problem.
Ronald Reagan
Nozzle on November 10, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Great Americans. Thank you for your service and congratulations.
Dee2008 on November 10, 2008 at 6:55 PM
I was riding a train to San Diego with my under 8 kids. 6 hard core marines behind us, started in with the four letter words, after a few minutes of this verbal abuse, I turned around and asked the guys to tone it down, my wife and kids and all…silence,one of the men got up got on his knees and apologized to my son and my wife then my youngest daughter then to me, just stating they got out of basic and was out of civilization and what they said and how they acted was wrong…with all the sincerity a man could possible muster. The rest of the trip was made in quite respect.
I got off the train, thanked them, each one apologized again…I went to the newspaper stand, and the front headlines were, Beirut barracks bombing, I cried. Honorable young men, brothers of the men I just encountered. I have never forgotten what kind of men Marines are…and to this day my kids remember what respect is, they remember the Marines apologizing…you don’t need to go to war for a Marine to make an impact.
right2bright on November 10, 2008 at 6:57 PM
I made a post earlier saying a happy birthday for the Marines, bty thank all who choose to serve. A birthday is the ‘birth’ of a group of men and women who have served our country without thinking of anyone but their fellow members and their country. Just had to say this, thank you.
L
letget on November 10, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Wonderful story. Made me tear up and everything. I remember my Marine friends at DLI being very foul-mouthed among fellows but charming, well-mannered gentlemen/women in polite company. Some of the best friends I’ve ever had, rough yet soft on the inside. : )
Anna on November 10, 2008 at 7:11 PM
Happy Birthday, fellow Marines. I leave now to attend the Marine Corps Ball in Bloomington, MN actually it started but I’ll make it all the same. As I said over at MM, I want to thank all of you who allowed me and my brethern and sisters to have served you. I never thought I’d see the thanks and warm thoughts when I returned from Nam. Thanks, all of you…. I’m honored.
smoke em of you got em Marines! Semper Fidelis!
MNDavenotPC on November 10, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Happy Birthday, and Semper Fi! My dad served with the 4th Marine Division on Iwo Jima, and he is celebrating with you all in spirit.
God bless the United States Marines.
capitalist piglet on November 10, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Fine organization: not as large as the Army and soldiers have larger balls than Marines, but a fine organization nonetheless
/
Janos Hunyadi on November 10, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Semper Fi, Marines! Happy 233rd birthday.
The Army loves ya too.
irongrampa on November 10, 2008 at 7:20 PM
The Marine Corps was established in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia on November 10th, 1776.
This is our 233rd Birthday; the only continuous Military Service in the United States, since Independence.
The Army and Navy were disestablished by Acts of Congress for short periods, the Marine Corps never was.
I served briefly, for 12 years; in a fairly undistinguished “career”.
But I wish my fellow Marines, all around the world, currently in harms way, God Bless and thank you for keeping us safe, and Semper Fidelis.
For those unlucky enough to have served with me, Thank You and Semper Fidelis as well.
Faithfully,
Dale
Dale in Atlanta on November 10, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Janos
Uhhhhhh…. we weren’t talking about squirrel nuts here, but glad you admitted to something we Marines always knew…… heh ya know I like to rag on doggies.
MNDavenotPC on November 10, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Happy Birthday Marines!
Semper Fi
SSgtDC on November 10, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Thank all of you marines out there. God bless all of you past and present. You are truly our American heroes.
boingo_tx on November 10, 2008 at 7:34 PM
By Executive Order of January 21, 2009, the Marines are hereby re-deployed to turn all homes displaying a McCain-Palin sign into a free-fire zone.
President Barack Hussein Obama Jr.
Steve Z on November 10, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Happy Birthday to all The Marines. Thank you so much for fighting for our and others Freedom! May god be with you all, in anything you do! As my Nephew is a Marine too!
sheebe on November 10, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Two great days for me:
10 November; wedding anniversary, Marine Corps Birthday
11 November; Veterans Day, Founding of the Virginia Military Institute
CFL on November 10, 2008 at 7:51 PM
233 years of serving the country, keeping us safe and being hated by democrats.
OOOraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Love ya!
Handel on November 10, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Just like America, the Corps was born in Philadelphia.
Semper fi, Marines, GET SOME!
Tony737 on November 10, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share.
Ned Dolan
Happy Birthday Marines!
msmveritas on November 10, 2008 at 8:16 PM
In the words of the great Chesty Puller “Our Country won’t go on forever, if we stay soft as we are now. There won’t
be any AMERICA because some foreign soldiery will invade us and take our women and breed a hardier race!” Happy Birthday Marines. God Bless you and all our military past, present and future. I am so grateful to you all.
Glynn on November 10, 2008 at 8:16 PM
Thanks for everything, DD, and ooh rah to my big brother and my nephew, both Marines (not in now, but my brother says that once marines, they are always Marines)
Red State State of Mind on November 10, 2008 at 8:52 PM
That’s wicked awesome, as my husband and I share our anniversary with the Navy’s birthday (Oct 13). Not planned, but fate.
Anna on November 10, 2008 at 8:55 PM
CFL – I meant to say Happy Anniversary too, but totally had a synapse breakdown.
Anna on November 10, 2008 at 8:56 PM
11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
Remembrance Day. Lest we forget.
Reaps on November 10, 2008 at 9:06 PM
I’m the wife of a former Marine, the mother of a future Marine(He’ll be 18 in 2012)and the web daughter of a Vietnam combat Marine.
I tried to be a “Devil Dog” but due to a severe coordination problem I washed out of bootcamp after two months. It’ll be 20 years in March.
My best girlfriend’s a “doggie”.
I’ve told her that I’m sorry(LoL) because she’ll never be one of my MARINES!!!
SEMPER FI-DO OR DIE! OO-RAH!
annoyinglittletwerp on November 10, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Uncle Sam’s Moldy Crotch – we wouldn’t be a nation without you, much less a great nation.
Happy birthday, and thanks with all God’s Blessings.
ss396 on November 10, 2008 at 9:10 PM
Happy Birthday Marines!
cryptojunkie on November 10, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Ronaldus Maximus
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 10, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Semper Fi!!
Happy Birthday!
We salute you for your wonderful service to our nation; freedom isn’t free and you have payed the price for us.
How fitting that the Marine Corps. birthday is the day before Veteran’s Day.
Wilberforce_chick on November 10, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Not a prouder moment in my life than being there at Parris Island to see my two brothers graduate boot camp! One served 6 years, the other 22! Also had 5 cousins and an uncle in the Corps at one time or another.
Happy 233rd, Marines!
Don’t forget folks, tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. If you know one, thank him/her.
farleyman on November 10, 2008 at 9:49 PM
Hey Janos. Do you know what Army really stands for?
Ain’t
Really
Marines
Yet
At work today, myself and two other former Marines went around wishing each other happy birthday. Everyone thought we were nuts until we explained. It was great.
Semper Fi and Happy Birthday to my brothers especially to those brave souls in harms way. Thank you all.
Duncan Khuver on November 10, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Happy Birthday Devil Dogs.
It’s sad to think if I were still serving, I’d be closer in age to the oldest Marine than to the youngest Marine who cut the cake tonight.
LOKI3232 on November 10, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Go to Michelle’s site and see the Commandant’s video.
OOOHRAHH! Happy BDay Jarheads!!!!
From a 20 year Retired Squid.
ic1redeye on November 10, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Squid here, stationed at MCAS Tustin as a H-46 instructor, sayin’ to my Jarheads that slept instead of paying attention to the curriculum, Happy Birthday Marines wake the phuk up and pay attention to what I’m tellin’ ya. God Bless each and every one of you, past and present. The country is better because of your undying sacrifice. Great Uncle Jimmy Cowherd did what he had to do on Iwo Jima, wounded five times, but kept on going back on the line, our world is a better place because of Heroes like him–Semper Fidelis
GlocknRoll on November 11, 2008 at 12:01 AM
I never ceased to enjoy reviewing our men and women in uniform and hope I started a new tradition for presidents. As commander in chief, I discovered it was customary for our uniformed men and women to salute whenever they saw me. When I’d walk down the steps of a helicopter, for example, there was always a marine waiting there to salute me. I was told presidents weren’t supposed to return salutes, so I didn’t, but this made me feel a little uncomfortable. Normally, a person offering a salute waits until it is returned, then brings down his hand. Sometimes, I realized, the soldier, sailor, marine, or airman giving me a salute wasn’t sure when he was supposed to lower his hand. Initially, I nodded and smiled and said hello and thought maybe that would bring down the hand, but usually it didn’t. Finally, one night when Nancy and I were attending a concert at the Marine Corps headquarters, I told the commandant of marines, “I know it’s customary for the president to receive these salutes, but I was once an officer and realize that you’re not supposed to salute when you’re in civilian clothes. I think there ought to be a regulation that the president could return a salute inasmuch as he is commander in chief and civilian clothes are his uniform.” “Well, if you did return a salute,” the general said, “I don’t think anyone would say anything to you about it.”
The next time I got a salute, I saluted back. A big grin came over the marine’s face and down came his hand. From then on, I always returned salutes. When George Bush followed me into the White House, I encouraged him to keep up the tradition.
Ronaldus Maximus
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on November 10, 2008 at 9:18 PM
My question is how will President -elect Obama handle this tradition? With Contempt or Honor? It will be very intresting to watch. Please thank a vet today
USMCDevilDog on November 11, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Just returned home after the ball….and it was a ball.
Thank you to all who replied here both Marines and non-Marines.
Godspeed to our active duty Marines. May you have another successful year protecting the United States.
Semper Fi.
kanda on November 11, 2008 at 1:52 AM
Thanks for remembering Ed.
Semper Fi Marines far and wide.
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 7:44 AM
My best friend is a former Marine. I bought him 2 cases of his fave beer and carton of his brand of smokes. This guy is one of THE most dependable people I have EVER known. Sory for the belated Happy B-Day Marines, but I was busy celebrating with my bud yesterday.
SO for today, I will wish all you veterans out there, happy veterans day, thank you for your service, and we are better for your service. I will hoist a beer in your honor today once I get home from work, and then I have to call my Dad who is a WWII Pacific Navy Vet.
God Bless you all.
44
44Magnum on November 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
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