On November 1st, 1921, John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of
the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable
service of the Corps be published by every command, to all
Marines throughout the globe, on the Birthday of the Corps.
Since that 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:
"(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by
a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date
many thousands of men have borne that name Marine. In memory
of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should
commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the
glories of its long and illustrious history.
(2) The record of our Corps is one which bear comparison
with that of the most famous military organizations in the
world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence
the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's
foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines
have won foremost honors in war and in the long eras of
tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines
have grown gray in war in both hemispheres, and in every
corner of the seven seas so that our country and its
citizens might enjoy peace and security.
(3) In every battle and skirmish since the Birth of the
Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest
distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the
term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in
military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we
who are Marines today have received from those who preceded
us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the
eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation
and has long been the distinguishing mark of Marines in
every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish
Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future
as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation
will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of
illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea"
since the founding of the Corps."
The inspiring message of our 13th Commandant has left its
mark in the hearts and minds of all Marines. By deed and act
from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, from Inchon to the Korean
Armistice, in interventions from Lebanon to the Dominican
Republic, and from the opening battles of Vietnam to the
Mayaguez rescue, Marines have continued to epitomize those
qualities which are their legacy. The success which they
have achieved in combat and the faith they have borne in
peace will continue. The Commandant and our many friends
have added their hearty praise and congratulations on this
our 235th birthday.
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