Happy birthday marines

[mavrickandgoose]

Happy 236th marines

1.* For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous combat operations against those who threaten the security of America and our allies.* We turned the tide in the Anbar province of Iraq and continue to see success today in southwest Afghanistan. While it has come at a cost... we have much to be proud of.

2.* This past year in operations around the world including humanitarian disaster relief, counter-piracy, theater security cooperation, special operations, counter-insurgency and many more, you continued to solidify our place as America’s expeditionary force in readiness.* Since the continental congress created two battalions of Marines 236 years ago, our legacy as an ever-ready, ever capable, victory producing organization remains intact.

3.* Our rich heritage of selfless service and fidelity to nation and to one another lives on in all who currently wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor - those who have answered the clarion call to duty with remarkable courage, dedication and unshakable resolve that Marines are so well known for.* To all Marines -- past and present -- and especially to our families... I extend my deep gratitude for all you have done and all you continue to do.

4.* As we celebrate our 236th Birthday, let us look forward to future challenges -- whatever they may be -- and reaffirm our pledge to be America’s premier crisis response force; to be the first to fight... always ready for the toughest and most challenging assignments.

5.* Happy Birthday, Marines and Semper Fidelis.

James F. Amos, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.