The Marine Corps has been winning battles and defending our nation since 1775 when The continental Marines were formed to support the 13 colonies in the struggle for independence. This formation was discussed in Philadelphia, Pa. when a committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. The resolution was approved on November 10 1775.
Weeks after banding together in 1776 the Marines successfully executed their first amphibious landing at Fort Nassau in the Bahamas. Within minutes of the Marines' arrival, the British troops surrendered.
In 1805 the marines stormed the shores of Tripoli and marched across 600 miles of the Libyan Desert and stormed into the Tripolitan city of Derna and rescued the kidnapped crew of the USS Philadelphia. This victory helped Prince Hamet Bey reclaim his throne and in gratitude he presented his sword to Lt. O'Bannon. This sword became part of the officers uniform in 1825 and remains the oldest ceremonial weapon in use by the United States forces today. This Battle of Derna also was Marines' first battle on foreign soil, and is notably recalled in the first verse of the Marines’ Hymn: "From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea." The other part of this verse came from the Mexican-American war in 1847 when the Marines stormed the enemy fortress during the Battle of Chapultepec. After two days of battle the Marines controlled the castle better known as the "Halls of Montezuma"
On June 07, 1918 the Marine forces opened a furious bayonet charged assault seizing enemy troops and after 20 days of intense fighting the Marines won the Battle of Belleau Wood. The Germans gave a fitting nickname to their relentlessness opponent: Teufelhunden, or "Devil Dogs." The term still sticks with Marines today as they are known as "Devil Dogs".
In 1945, one the Marine Corps' greatest triumphs came with the capture of the Japanese airfields at Iwo Jima. Just four days into the battle a team of Marines and one Navy Corpsman reached the summit and raised the American Flag. This photo became front page news and is still today considered the picture that summons up the Marines struggle and victory at Iwo Jima. The battle lasted 36 days with heavy casualties before the Marines secured the island.
In 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea it was seen as a global military challenge. The U.N. depended on the Marines capabilities to reclaim South Korea's capital city. The Marines landed behind enemy lines on the shores of Inchon and within hours had cleared the beach and began moving toward Seoul. In two weeks they reclaimed the capital and put the North Korean army on the run.
In 1968 the Marines defended a base at Khe Sanh for 77 days. The North Vietnamese army attacked the base predicting overwhelming victory, however, the Marines prevented the enemy from penetrating United States defenses.
In 1989 Manuel Noriega reigned power over Panama and declared war on the United States. When a Marine was killed by Panamanian forces the United States decided it was time that Noriega would no longer be tolerated. The United States launched Operation Just Cause to depose the dictator and restore order to Panama. The Marines achieved success in just two weeks.
In 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait the Marines led one of the most successful assaults in modern warfare with precise air operations, tenacious amphibious assaults, and
versatile land tactics. The Marines are not always the lead on warfare tactics. In the 1990's the Marines also led the way when global support was needed as widespread violence and famine escalated in Somalia, Rwanda, and Zaire. The Marines provided vital hmanitarian aid while occasionally coming under fire providing security and distributin gfood, water, and medical supplies.
In 1995 22 Marines were among the first American relief forces to arrive in Bosnia after the signing of the Dayton Agreement in that November which ended war in former Yugoslavia. The Marines immediately provided much needed scurity in the turbulent country. During this time an Air Force pilot was shot down and was rescued by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit six days later.
After 9/11 the United States declared a "Global War on Terrorism" which is on going today. Marines were deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and in 2003 deployed to Iraq with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marine responsibilities range from combat and security operations to humanitarian efforts. On April 9, 2003 the Marines secured the center of Baghdad and Coalition forces declared an end to the dictator's rule in Iraq.
In 2004 when a series of Tsunamis hit the shores of Indonesia, Thailand, and India the Marines immediately deployed three disaster relief assessment teams. These teams provided critically needed fresh water and additional supplies for its survivors. After providing these supplies they left the area allowing the local governments to take over.
Marines are held to the highest standards, ethically and morally. Respect for others is essential. Marines are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting the title they’ve earned. Semper Fidelis distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork – it is a brotherhood and lasts for life. It's more than a motto, it's a way of life. Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, and Semper Fi reminds us of that. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps.
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.
There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.
To my fellow Devil Dogs, I wish you all and the Marine Corps a Happy 233rd Birthday! OoooooRah!
Weeks after banding together in 1776 the Marines successfully executed their first amphibious landing at Fort Nassau in the Bahamas. Within minutes of the Marines' arrival, the British troops surrendered.
In 1805 the marines stormed the shores of Tripoli and marched across 600 miles of the Libyan Desert and stormed into the Tripolitan city of Derna and rescued the kidnapped crew of the USS Philadelphia. This victory helped Prince Hamet Bey reclaim his throne and in gratitude he presented his sword to Lt. O'Bannon. This sword became part of the officers uniform in 1825 and remains the oldest ceremonial weapon in use by the United States forces today. This Battle of Derna also was Marines' first battle on foreign soil, and is notably recalled in the first verse of the Marines’ Hymn: "From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea." The other part of this verse came from the Mexican-American war in 1847 when the Marines stormed the enemy fortress during the Battle of Chapultepec. After two days of battle the Marines controlled the castle better known as the "Halls of Montezuma"
On June 07, 1918 the Marine forces opened a furious bayonet charged assault seizing enemy troops and after 20 days of intense fighting the Marines won the Battle of Belleau Wood. The Germans gave a fitting nickname to their relentlessness opponent: Teufelhunden, or "Devil Dogs." The term still sticks with Marines today as they are known as "Devil Dogs".
In 1945, one the Marine Corps' greatest triumphs came with the capture of the Japanese airfields at Iwo Jima. Just four days into the battle a team of Marines and one Navy Corpsman reached the summit and raised the American Flag. This photo became front page news and is still today considered the picture that summons up the Marines struggle and victory at Iwo Jima. The battle lasted 36 days with heavy casualties before the Marines secured the island.
In 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea it was seen as a global military challenge. The U.N. depended on the Marines capabilities to reclaim South Korea's capital city. The Marines landed behind enemy lines on the shores of Inchon and within hours had cleared the beach and began moving toward Seoul. In two weeks they reclaimed the capital and put the North Korean army on the run.
In 1968 the Marines defended a base at Khe Sanh for 77 days. The North Vietnamese army attacked the base predicting overwhelming victory, however, the Marines prevented the enemy from penetrating United States defenses.
In 1989 Manuel Noriega reigned power over Panama and declared war on the United States. When a Marine was killed by Panamanian forces the United States decided it was time that Noriega would no longer be tolerated. The United States launched Operation Just Cause to depose the dictator and restore order to Panama. The Marines achieved success in just two weeks.
In 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait the Marines led one of the most successful assaults in modern warfare with precise air operations, tenacious amphibious assaults, and
versatile land tactics. The Marines are not always the lead on warfare tactics. In the 1990's the Marines also led the way when global support was needed as widespread violence and famine escalated in Somalia, Rwanda, and Zaire. The Marines provided vital hmanitarian aid while occasionally coming under fire providing security and distributin gfood, water, and medical supplies.
In 1995 22 Marines were among the first American relief forces to arrive in Bosnia after the signing of the Dayton Agreement in that November which ended war in former Yugoslavia. The Marines immediately provided much needed scurity in the turbulent country. During this time an Air Force pilot was shot down and was rescued by the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit six days later.
After 9/11 the United States declared a "Global War on Terrorism" which is on going today. Marines were deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and in 2003 deployed to Iraq with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marine responsibilities range from combat and security operations to humanitarian efforts. On April 9, 2003 the Marines secured the center of Baghdad and Coalition forces declared an end to the dictator's rule in Iraq.
In 2004 when a series of Tsunamis hit the shores of Indonesia, Thailand, and India the Marines immediately deployed three disaster relief assessment teams. These teams provided critically needed fresh water and additional supplies for its survivors. After providing these supplies they left the area allowing the local governments to take over.
Marines are held to the highest standards, ethically and morally. Respect for others is essential. Marines are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting the title they’ve earned. Semper Fidelis distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork – it is a brotherhood and lasts for life. It's more than a motto, it's a way of life. Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, and Semper Fi reminds us of that. Once made, a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps.
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.
There is no such thing as an ex-Marine.
To my fellow Devil Dogs, I wish you all and the Marine Corps a Happy 233rd Birthday! OoooooRah!
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