Category: Birthday

During times when more are concerned with whether or not it is politically correct to be in war. Let?s not forget those who gave of themselves so we have the right to self doubt our own decisions. Most are unaware that one of the most famous Marines in history is buried here in Utah. He lays rest in the Pleasant Grove city cemetery. Sgt. Major Joseph W. Dailey. But fear not my fellow Marines not all have forgotten this day on the 232 Birthday of our Beloved Corps I had the honor of visiting our fallen hero?s grave in the thoughts of paying respects to a fellow Marine. I was happy to see I was not alone in my endeavors and in fact someone had arrived before me and placed a wreath and 2 small flags at his grave site. I added my small token of a saut? labeled the few the proud and a USMC flag and knelt down beside the grave and said a small prayer. As I stood up to leave I simply said happy birthday Sgt Major and yes of Course Semper Fi. I was greeted as I walked back to my truck by another Marine whom was looking for the Sgt. Majors grave to pay his respects. So I say to my fellow Marines world wide fear not for our heroes are not forgotten here in Utah. They will be watched over and protected by those whom have fallowed in their footsteps and will stand guard over those who can no longer stand guard for us. Happy birthday Marines and a final Semper Fi to all whom serve and have served in our beloved Corps. read more

Sgt. Grit, I have two stories to share with you today:

This past weekend I was headed to the Marine Corps Ball, alone. My three young boys and I had a 4 hour trip to make to get there. Part way through, we stopped to get some supper. We were standing in line, and I was trying to keep my boys IN LINE, when a young man ahead of me commented that I really had my hands full. Feeling a little agravated, I replied that I certainly did, especially since their dad is in Iraq. He immediately focused his attention on me, and started asking all about my husband. I was a little bemused, until he pulled off his jacket to show me the Marine Corps shirt he was wearing. I chatted with him and his girlfriend for a few minutes, then they went to pay for their food. When I finally made it to the head of the line, that former Marine was still standing there. Sgt. Grit, I'm not much of a crier, but I certainly choked up when he insisted on paying for all of our meals that night. I thanked him from the bottom of my heart…his reply? "It's the least I can do. I never went over, and here there are guys leaving their wives and kids. You just tell your husband thank you." I duly passed on those thanks, and the story that proves your brotherhood. read more

Sgt Grit

Friday November 09, 2007 a group of Marines, men and women, got together out in the Hawker-Beechcraft hangar in Wichita Kansas..

I read the Commandant?s message. And yes??time marches ON. This is the first time that I was the oldest Marine present. read more

Each year we celebrate the birth of our Corps by attending a Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Since we live in a metropolitan area, and are not near a Marine Corps facility, we have the Ball on a Saturday as close to the 10th of November as possible. As you know the 10th doesn?t fall on a Saturday every year, but since it did this year we wanted to do something even more special. What better way than to honor those Marines that have become our legacy. It is those Marines that have come before us that have made our Corps what it is today. They are part of our history and their actions and deeds have set the standard by which all Marines are judged. read more

Aloha kakou;

On Monday, November 5, 2007, veteran Marines of V.V.A. Oahu Chapter 858 were greeted by a detail of Camp Smith, HI. Marines, organized by SSgt Obi Rogers, PAO. SSgt Rogers and her detail first visited Marines at Tripler AMC that morning and then to the Oahu Veterans Center to visit with us. They even brought us cake. After talking story with these young Marines and telling our own war stories, we all gathering in a circle and sang Happy Birthday to ourselves. It was one of those full-circle moments. We were so impressed by these sharp young Marines and for their enthusiasm for the Corps and for life that I had to share this story. To all active duty and veteran Marines, we salute you. read more

Sgt. Grit, In your last letter, Gysgt John D. Foster wrote:

"In late 1967, our platoon (Echo 2/9) was returning to Camp Carroll after a long op in the bush."

I don't know if the Gunny, knows where Camp J.J. Carroll got it's name, but the timing of his letter could not be better. (Happy Birthday Marines) The hill was know to us who operated out of there earlier as The Artillery Plateau. It was renamed and dedicated to Captain Carroll on the Marine Corps Birthday in 1966 following Operation Prairie. The attached photo may be hard to read, so I'll type it so all can know the history. read more

Sgt Grit,
Just wanted to send a photo of our impromptu USMC Birthday Celebration.
We were sailing on the Norwegian Spirit on its 15 day repositioning cruise from New York to New Orleans. I had asked the Hotel Director for a 20 person cake and the Cruise Director if he could schedule a Veterans get together. We had the get together on Nov 9th, 2007 and had over 70 veterans show up to include 8 Marines. After we all had a BS session, the Cruise Director says he has my cake over in the corner. read more

SGT Grit:

I just celebrated my 40th Marine Corps Birthday at Camp Victory, Iraq.
To make a long story short, I served as an enlisted Marine 1967-1973 and after an eight year break joined the National Guard to get a commission and have been in every since. I've had several active tours since 9/11 and most recently with the Army Operations Center at the Pentagon and I came to Iraq as HQDA LNO to MNC-I. read more

Sgt Grit,

Here's a couple of snapshots from a small Birthday gathering at my house on 10 Nov. Those pictured served from the WWII through theVietnam eras.
We read the Commandant's Message, had a cake Cutting Ceremony and sang the Marines' Hymn.
I'm the guy kneeling with my wonderful wife of thirty six years in front of me. read more

Sgt. Grit, I am enclosing a photo of the Marine Corps Ball November 2007. I attended this year in San Diego CA, with my son in law and my youngest son. This is the one and only time we will all attend as Sgt's. L to R, Sgt. Alexander Jones ( 11th Marines, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA ), Sgt. Joshua Carlson ( MWCS 48, Bravo Co., Miramar, CA ), and Sgt. Ralph Jones (HMM-362, Vietnam 66'-68'). I have another son who couldn't make it former, Marine Andrew Jones ( MCES, MCB Camp Lejune, NC). What a wonderful legacy a father has to have his family join him in the brotherhood, and speak the same language, my daughter made the right choice marrying her Marine.
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