Author: SgtGrit

General Lejeune’s Birthday Message

On November 1st. 1921, John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the Birthday of the Corps. Since the day, Marines have continued to distinguish themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace. On this Birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will of the 13th Commandant, Article 38 United States Marine Corps Manual, Edition of 1921, is published as follows: read more

Marine Corps Birthday Ball Invocation
University of Oklahoma
Sgt George R. Gordy IV

Another glorious night of the Lord,
Another glorious night in the Corps!

Dear Heavenly Father,
What a privilege it is to be able to assemble here this evening to celebrate the birth of the United States Marine Corps. Lord, you were here before we came, and you saw fit that on 10 November 1775, a United States Marine Corps be established. Lord, we pray that you would help us to live up to your might expectations. read more

Cake Cutting Script

The following are three separate and slightly different cake cutting scripts. There does not appear to be a set-in-stone script.

Script Example #1

It is customary at Marine Corps birthday celebrations worldwide to cut a traditional cake in celebration of the birth of our illustrious Corps. read more

FM CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
TO AL ALMAR(UC)
UNCLASSIFIED
ALMAR 018/05
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC
SUBJ/33RD COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS UPDATED GUIDANCE
(THE 21ST /CENTURY MARINE CORPSCREATING STABILITY IN AN UNSTABLE WORLD)
GENTEXT/REMARKS

1. WHEN I ASSUMED DUTIES AS THE 33RD COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS ON 13 JANUARY 2003, I PUBLISHED MY GUIDANCE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE DIRECTION DURING THE FOLLOWING FOUR YEARS. TODAY, THE ENTIRE MARINE CORPS IS ENGAGED IN SUPPORTING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR. WHILE THIS MISSION IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, WE ALSO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE. THIS MESSAGE UPDATES THE GUIDANCE OF 13 JANUARY BY LAYING OUT OUR VISION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY MARINE CORPS. ADDITIONALLY, IT CONTAINS MY INTENT FOR ACHIEVING THIS VISION. read more

USMC Code of Conduct

ARTICLE I:

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

ARTICLE II:

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist. read more

Cold War Certificate Now Available

Between 28 Million former and current service members and DOD civilians began applying on 5 April 1999 for certificates honoring them for their parts in winning the Cold War. Person are eligible for the Recognition Certificate if they have honorable military or civilian service with the War, Navy or Defense Departments between 2 September 1945 and 26 December 1991. read more

Notable USMC Dates of the Revolutionary War

1776, March

Marines land on New Providence Island, Bahamas. In 13 days the secure two forts, occupy Nassau, control the Government House, seize 88 guns, 16,535 shells, and other supplies.

1776, December

Marines assist Washington’s Army in the second battle of Trenton, marking the first documented Army-Marine engagement. Later that spring, Washington incorporated some Marines into artillery units of his reorganized Army. read more

History Of The Marine Corps Emblem and Seal

The history of the Marine Corps emblem is a story related to the history of the Corps itself. The emblem of today traces its roots to the designs and ornaments of early Continental Marines as well as British Royal Marines. The emblem took its present form in 1868. Before that time many devices, ornaments, and distinguishing marks followed one another as official marks of the Corps. read more

Eulogy for a Fallen Marine
Compiled by R. E. “Pat” Ruckstuhl, Sgt USMC 1966-1972

“Once a Marine Always a Marine” A eulogy to (Rank and Name of Fallen Marine)

(Photograph of Deceased Marine)

Service Record:

(Marines Name and Rank) entered the USMC (date).
He served with the (Battalion, Regiment, and Division).
During his tour of duty he received (from DD-214Decorations, Medals, Badges and commendations) Separation of Service was (date separated). read more

Order of precedence when displaying miltitary flags together

In addition to belonging to the Marine Corps League, I also belong to an American Legion Post. Recently, our post purchased service flags to be displayed in the post home. I keep telling the former Navy members that the Marine Corps flag is displayed after the Army flag but before the Navy Flag. They have yet to get it through their head even after I have shown them a joint color guard with the Marine Corps flag after the Army and before the Navy, So I am taking this document to the next post meeting. DOD Directive 1005.8 spells it out and I have included some official scoop for all who read this column as this is a very very common mistake which is created in a lot of veteran organization homes: read more