Happy Birthday, Marines!!!

Yes... Happy Birthday, Marine Corps!!! 235 years!!!

I could dazzle you with Marine Corps facts which would probably bore you to death. I could expound on conflicts covering territory from the Revolutionary War to present day Iraq. And I could share stories both uplifting and heart-wrenching about Marines I have known. I'm not going to do any of that.

Once upon a time I was a Marine. For me, like many, it was a bittersweet affair. I loved being a Marine. But it would not turn out to be a career for me. Nonetheless, I still proudly wear the title of United States Marine.

With still over 200,000 active (as of October 2009), The Few, The Proud, The Marines are still an elite club. You can find all the history and facts about the Marine Corps here... Marine Corps History

But what I'd like to say to you is this:

If you have never known a Marine, make it a point to do that one day soon. If you do know one (or more), cherish them for all they have done. If you have lost one, I am so very sorry. I may not know every name, but I pray for each and every one of them every day.

All I ask of you is to take a silent moment to count your blessings and then ponder over how many of them might be absent were it not for a Marine doing their duty to maintain our freedoms. It's just a simple exercise in remembrance.

As for me... I will spend many moments throughout this day reminiscing about the SCARLET and GOLD and know that Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) is a mighty motto to live by and up to.

I will remember that the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem has been part of the uniform since 1868 and became the official emblem of the Marine Corps in 1955.

I will remember that the eagle with spread wings represents our proud nation. The globe points to worldwide presence. The anchor stands for naval tradition. Together, they represent a dedication to service in the air, on land and at sea.

The Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem is presented to recruits at the end of Recruit Training, symbolizing that they have earned the title "United States Marine."

So for now...

It's Sally

Rose...

signing off and wishing The Marine Corps another 235 years.

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... ADAPT, IMPROVISE, OVERCOME!!!

... HoooooYahhhhhhhhh!!!