249th USMC Birthday Message
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
10 November 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
For 249 years, Marines have served as our Nation's sentinels of freedom. As we celebrate our Corps' birthday this year, I encourage all Marines to reflect on our legacy forged in blood on battlefields since 1775, and to rededicate ourselves to carrying that legacy untarnished into the future. Collectively, we who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor have an obligation to uphold the ideals of self-discipline, warfighting proficiency, professionalism, and personal conduct that define what it means to be a Marine. I know you are all up to the task.
Twenty years ago this month, Marines fought and won the Second Battle of Fallujah, a brutal, grinding house to house fight, whose victory ultimately paved the way for the stabilization of the Republic of Iraq. Often in Iraq there were no true front lines, and by necessity, Fallujah was a battle in which every Marine fought, demonstrating once again our cornerstone philosophy that Every Marine is a Rifleman.
Our history bears witness to Marines of all stripes picking up their rifles and fighting for Corps and Country when the call came. From Wake Island to the Chosin Reservoir to Khe Sanh to Camp Bastion, every Marine fought. Our future battles will be no different. Our rear areas will be as vulnerable as our front lines and every Marine from our infantry battalions to our aviation squadrons to our headquarters and support elements will have to stand-to when called.
Preparing for the threats of the future requires the same exceptional standards and ironclad discipline that are the hallmarks of our Corps. Twenty years ago in Fallujah, our predecessors staunchly adhered to these virtues, earned our Nation's trust, and ensured the U.S. Marine Corps would remain the most feared fighting force in the world. It is our sworn duty to uphold those standards and stay true to our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Though technology and equipment change, the Marine Corps' culture of excellence must not. The road ahead is far from certain, but our ethos will never change — Every Marine a Rifleman and Everyone Fights.
As I've said before, it is the honor of my lifetime to be a Marine and serve as your Commandant. I'm proud to stand alongside each of you, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for our Corps. When I travel to visit Marines here at home and deployed around the globe, I find absolute confidence that this generation of Marines has what it takes to uphold our Corps' legacy and prevail in any conflict we face. Happy Birthday, Marines!
The 249th Marine Corps Birthday Message Video
- The 249th USMC Birthday Message The 249th USMC Birthday Message
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USMC Birthday Resources
- PDF Version of 249th USMC Birthday Message from the CMC
- The 249th Marine Corps Birthday Message Video
- Ceremonial Music for USMC Birthday Balls
- MARADMIN 511/24: Marine Corps Birthday Content
USMC Birthday Resources
- PDF Version of 249th USMC Birthday Message from the CMC
- The 249th Marine Corps Birthday Message Video
- Ceremonial Music for USMC Birthday Balls
- MARADMIN 511/24: Marine Corps Birthday Content
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Happy birthday brothers and sisters.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi Brother.
You to Frosty. Oorah!
The cake was great. Wish I could give you a piece.
I appreciate that! I avoid sugar these days but I indulge from time to time.
Semper Fi and Happy Birthday Marines from an old retired Devil Doc!
Same to you Doc, it’s your birthday too.
Semper Fi.
Not surprisingly, the Commandant neglected to mention one of our bloodiest/deadliest battles that occurred 56 years ago in Ke Sahn Valley, Vietnam, 21 January – 9 July 1968.
I was part of that "campaign" and my most remembered week was when our UH-34D squadron air lifted at least two companies of, right out of USMC bootcamp/ITR, Marines into the melee. That week, the chopper I was gunner on took in at least two squads of 18 - 20 year old "kids" to support the forces and later carried at least four squads of "bodies" out - that's how vicious it was.
But, it was a really rough time that the politicians totally screwed the pooch on - North Vietnam declared victory and the U.S. claimed they voluntarily withdrew - so, who was the actual winner.
My point? Your Marines are gonna be there and they're gonna do their jobs to make this a better, somewhat safer, world.
Proud to have served - would do it again - gladly.
Semper Fi to all my brothers and sisters - OOhhh RRaahhhh.
My dad was a Merchant Marine in WWII.. I had always assumed he was on Omaha Beach or something like that but....alas, he drove a tow truck. When I graduated from Marine boot camp in 1988, my dad pulled me aside and said something to me I will never forget, but have heard others since that day...
"If you re a good guy and need help, the Marines are the first people you call...If you are a bad guy, the Marines are the last people you want knocking on your door." I suppose it's true.
In any case, to all my fellow vets, my best to you on this Veterans Day.
Best of friends, the worst of enemies.
The United States Marine Corps.
My BIL walked on Memorial Day of this year. He served 24 years in the Army, all Infantry units with four combat tours. Arlington is so backed up that he wasn’t buried until October 10th full military honors with a 21 gun Salute.
His wife who is a 20 year vet of the Army gave me one of the casing from one of shells. Nothing is even close to the emotion that one feels at Arlington. I could not attend but Red went and placed a lock of my hair in his casket (Indian Tradition)
Sorrry did not want to take anything away from the Marines, but I felt this was a good place for a Warrior to be mentioned with the Devil Dogs.
Thanks
Totally appropriate Kav. No worries.
Did Arlington on Honor Flight. Put it on your bucket list.
It’s amazing.
Kavika - you are from a long line of warriors and I respect and honor you for sharing and giving.
Semper Fi
One of the proudest moments in my military career was having my Petty Officer 3rd Class crow tacked on by a row of Marines on either side of me. Both arms bruised and sore for a week but worth it.
Arvo.. pardon my ignorance..
Do you commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11th in memory of the end of WW1?
I thought all allied countries acknowledged that, but maybe not
We do as does, UK, Canada, NZ etc and thought the USA did as well..but could be more to do with the Commonwealth countries..
We call it Veteran's Day, and we expand it to honor all who served in war or peacetime.
A little “Veterans Day” (Armistice Day) history.
The Treaty of Versailles was officially signed June28th, 1919 however, a temporary cessation of hostilities (an armistice) was agreed upon seven months earlier, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Thus November 11th became Armistice Day.
November 11th 1919, US President Wilson proclaimed as the first official US Armistice Day honoring all those who served and/or died in WW-1. The symbolism continued in the USA as the original idea was a brief suspension of business at 11:00 AM, to attend parades and gatherings in honor of those who served in WW-1.
US congress passed a resolution in 1926 making armistice day official in the USA.
US congress passed an act in 1938 making Armistice Day an official holiday
In 1954 the 1938 act was amended from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all Veterans. So November 11th became a day to honor all Veterans, Not just WW-1 Vets.
A little cool Veterans Day history …..