Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines
by Bob HamerEarlier this year as I was filling up at the gas station I noticed a faded bumper sticker- vintage Bush 43-on the car next to me: “Dissent is Patriotic.” When I pointed to the bumper and asked the driver if she still believed that, she suggested I do something to myself which I am certain is physically impossible. I just laughed and said, “I’ll take that as a no.”
At the time, our Marine son and his men were deployed to a remote Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan. As I reflected on my experience at the Shell station, I wondered if this woman had any idea the sacrifices so many had made so she could exercise her 1stAmendment rights during the previous administration or this one.
I wondered if she knew about Belleau Wood, the Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, Fallujah, or the Helmand Province? Was she aware that at Tarawa, 1,020 Marines were killed in the seventy-six hour battle? She may have seen the photo but did she know at Iwo Jima, the thirty-six day assault left more than 26,000 Americans wounded and 6,800 Marines dead? Did she have any clue as to the sacrifices others have made throughout this nation’s history so she could live free?
My wife and I recently spent a week on the Marine Corps base where our son is stationed. As we walked up and down the residential street where he and his family live we realized almost half of the homes had husbands deployed to a combat zone. The other half had spouses who recently returned or were about to leave. It was humbling to see parking lots with so many cars displaying Purple Heart license plates or seeing the injured frequenting the PX. Did the woman know about these recent sacrifices?
Last week while I was working out at the gym and wearing a Marine Corps t-shirt, a young man approached. I could tell he had sustained recent injuries. This twenty-five year old medically retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant was wounded in Iraq and only recently was able to abandon the wheel chair. His knee was still so full of shrapnel he needed a total knee replacement. He will forever live with the scars on his face but his sacrifice was even more personal. His brother, a Marine, was killed five miles from where my new friend was injured. His younger brother just enlisted. I can’t imagine what his family has been through. Yet he was so proud of his brother who died and the one about to carry the title “Marine.” Did the woman at the gas station know my friend and his family?
In AMERICAN PATRIOT by Robert Coram, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Bud Day is quoted as saying “It is not a widely known fact, but military people are weepers. They weep when they watch a parade and the flag goes by. They weep when they hear the National Anthem. They weep at tales of valor and sacrifice.” When I read that, a sense of relief washed over me. If maybe the most valiant man I ever met can weep then I guess it’s okay for me to admit shedding a tear. I’ve shot guys and never flinched but tales of valor and the sacrifices I have seen by my military heroes and their families choke me up every time. I wonder if the woman at Shell ever cries and if so, for whom or for what?
My vehicle has only one decal…a scarlet and gold U.S.M.C. on the rear window. I’ll often have someone pull up next to me at a light and nod knowingly. I only spent four years on active duty as a somewhat marginal Marine yet after a twenty-six year career in the FBI, many of those years undercover, I’m prouder to say I was a Marine than to say I was an FBI agent. Although only a small portion of my life was in the Corps, I am forever part of a brotherhood of warriors.
Today, November 10th, a date known by every Marine, marks the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day, a chance to remember all who served. Maybe you can say thanks in a tangible way this year by supporting the USO,Freedom Alliance, Iraq Star, Operation Gratitude, Hope for the Warriors, or any number of charities serving our servicemen and women who have earned our respect and admiration with their shed blood.
“When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the Mission’s sake, our country’s sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division’s colors in past battles – who fought for life and never lost their nerve – carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy than a U.S. Marine.” – Major General James N. Mattis. Commander, 1st Marine Division, March 30, 2003, on the eve of crossing into Iraq
Happy Birthday Marines and Semper Fi!
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110 Comments
Bob Hamer,
thank you for an excellent article.
Today, being the 234th birthday of the Marines, and tomorrow being Vetrans Day, are a bit bittersweet at the moment. Especially with what was going on today at Ft. Hood. While not to detract anything from the Marines, I personally as an American made it a point to stay away from the media today, of any kind. Print, computer and especially the TV. I could not bring myself to watch the current occupant of our White House, posing for photo ops with bereaved families in Texas.
Somehow, it just doesn't seem right, and regardless of any flowery words he would read from his teleprompter, anyone with a military background knows they are essentially hollow words, from a hollow man. Empty and meaningless. Our servicemen deserve better than that………
(I am in a foul mood).
Thanks Bob
My little 3 year old angrily told one of the one-way-dissenters that soldiers protect us, and to be nice to them!
I dont know if he didnt want to comment to my girl or just didnt have much of an answer but the look on his face was priceless.
Bob,
Thank you, your son, your friend and everyone else who has honorably worn an
Armed forces uniform. Hooahh!
Happy Birthday USMC.
I weep every veterans and memorial day for our brothers and sisters. I’m glad to know I’m not alone.
Capital D
Cco 2bn/502nd INF
Thank you for the nice article Bob. I was Air Force, my son in law, Army, however my dad was in the Corps. He survived Iwo, Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam and others.
Happy Birthday Marines, you guys and the Corps are truly the best!
Bob,
As you know most in this country do not understand those that serve our country or why they would do so. But each time you and your fellow writers bring it to our attention you chip away at us, so that one by one we have some insight. Keep on chipping away Bob.
Thanks, to all that have served and those still in service. We have freedom because of you.
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Happy Birthday and a million thanks to the USMC!
Thank you, sir…for your service and your son's. Our son is a USMC Sargeant, two tours in Iraq, now on recruiting duty. I couldn't be more proud. I'm more determined than ever to fight against the insidious government…stupor…that allows politicians to dither between good and evil. They put our military in so much danger – danger which is unnecessary. It's bad enough to face down the enemy in combat. It's worse when you have to look at them in Congress and the White House.
Thank you freedom fighters!
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Leftists have no noble principles. They are liars and thugs. They pretend to have noble principles in order to manipulate other people but when they are asked to apply their "principles" to themselves, they show their true colors. We need to stop letting them squirm away from this and need to hang these things around their neck.
"I only spent four years on active duty as a somewhat marginal Marine yet after a twenty-six year career in the FBI, many of those years undercover, I’m prouder to say I was a Marine than to say I was an FBI agent. Although only a small portion of my life was in the Corps, I am forever part of a brotherhood of warriors."
Bob
That comment couldn't ring truer.
The Title
It cannot be inherited, nor can it ever be purchased. You and no one alive can buy it for any price. It is impossible to rent, and it cannot be lent. You alone and our own have earned it with your sweat, blood and lives. You own it forever. The Title, United States Marine
Semper Fi Brother
I remember Ronald Reagan speaking, when he delivered a speech when the Space Shuttle blew up, and when the Marine Barracks was blown up in Beirut. Year later, I remember George Bush Jr. speaking after 9/11, and again when the second Space Shuttle blew up. I felt sad, and at the same time I felt proud to be an American, I also felt comforted, to a degree.
Awhile back, MoShelle Obama drew a lot of flak, when she said "for the first time in her life she was proud of her country".
Hmmm. The times they are a changing. I have always been proud of my country, for better or worse, but I can't say that today. Today, for the first time in my life, Barrack Hussein Obama has made me ashamed of my country, and ashamed to be an American.
Bob Hamer, so is dissent against a war of choice waged for no justifiable cause (say, in Iraq) patriotic or not?
if a leftest changes that to "rightest" in your diatribe, and you can see how far we can get as a nation, filled with hate and mistrust.
patriotism, qa_nj? i think not…
I can think one of the best ways to honor US service members is to protest unjust wars like Iraq that put them in harms way for non existent WMD, with no defined goals and no exit strategy.
That is the God's honest truth.
scotty,
Give it a resy you ignorant little bastard. Tonight isn't the night for your foolishness.
If this was a "happy birthday Marines" post and the author left it at that, my post would have also just been a congratulatory one.
However, Bob Hamer apparently chose to exploit the Marines' Birthday and spent most the space of his blog post to criticizing those who protest unjust wars. Which was rather unsightly in my humble opinion. So i called him out.
Semper Fi Mac!
Happy Birthday Marines! Thank you seems insufficient. Best Tweet of the day: Today is the 234th anniversay of the Marines. Now, go smack a liberal.
Scott, did anyone question your patriotism or your political view of the war, or is it your way of justifying your NOT serving? Wake up, pal! Honor the warrior – honor the Marine, not yourself.
USMC – 0331 – Vietnam – 1966-1967; 1968-1969 – God bless the Corps – Semper Fi to all!
Thank you, Bob, and Semper Fi, my friend.
A fellow weeper,
JRH
scotty,
For what it's worth; there is nothing in any of your incessant diatribes that is ever positive, congratulatory, or humble. Your sole purpose here is to incite, inflame, and enrage. Today happens to be the Birthday of The Corp, it also marked a somber service in Ft. Hood to honor people, the likes of whom you could not conceivably begin to comprehend. Tomorrow is Vetrans Days.
Perhaps you ought to give it a rest, and leave serious folk time for some somber reflection. Run along now, dawwdle off to the daily kooks.
I would agree that the far right sometimes has similar problems and for all of the bluster about criticizing George W. Bush during time of war, for example, the same people seem to have no problem criticizing Barack Obama's military decisions. But for all of the moral equivalence between the hypocrisy on the right and left, I think the right has a much better track record of treating principles as principles for a variety of reasons, not only when it comes to rejecting or rallying around politicians who have done wrong but the expectation that it's OK for their politicians to lie to moderates to get the votes they need to further their cause (can you find the conservative equivalent of Obama's "cling to religion and guns" comment on the right that was directed at moderates and liberals rather than the party's conservative base?). Yes, there is plenty of hate and distrust but where did it come from? Could people like Saul Alinsky, Bill Ayers, and Jeremiah Wright have had anything to do with it?
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“A man who has nothing which he cares about more than he does about his personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance at being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”
John Stuart Mill
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
–Charles M. Province
"I only spent four years on active duty as a somewhat marginal Marine yet after a twenty-six year career in the FBI, many of those years undercover, I’m prouder to say I was a Marine than to say I was an FBI agent. Although only a small portion of my life was in the Corps, I am forever part of a brotherhood of warriors."
Only thing I could add would be, that FBI service is for America as well ! The Brotherhood is amazing even after all these years ! I joined in '66 and as you, consider it the highlight of my life. Sure I've done other things like working for forty some odd years, raised three sons, help to raise a Grandson and Granddaughter….with LOVE
but "THE CORPS", will always be upper most in my mind. 234 years of tradition. THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR TRADITION, AND 'THE CORPS' SAYS IT ALL !! GOD BLESS ALL MARINES- THOSE IN HARMS' WAY AND THOSE OF TODAY, YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW !! THE BROTHERHOOD…ALWAYS THE BROTHERHOOD ! WISH YOUR SON ONLY THE BEST !!
SEMPER FI……..>Chuck
Death to scum sucking LIEberals!
"better track record"
well i disagree on all counts.but that was a little better than "leftists have no noble principles. They are liars and thugs."
"Could people like Saul Alinsky, Bill Ayers, and Jeremiah Wright have had anything to do with it? "
who are they? honestly, those are not politicians. David Duke, KKK ran as a republican. I do not think all republicans are racist as a result, that would be absurd. Pat robertson, minister to many of rightests and friend of the Reagans, blamed florida's hurricanes on the gays. among many other wacky stuff, that i do not have the space to go in to here. yet i do not hold Robertson's absurd rhetoric against Reagan, nor do i proscribe his world view to Reagan as you do Wright's to Obama's.
You are not being objective here. there is no problem with that, nobody really is.but you must recognize it.
Read biggovernment.com's posts.
is there ever *anything* positive? No! it's just all Obama hating, all of the time!!
Semper Fi, Marines!
Richard Baker
ex-SSG Infantry
USA
My son is a Marine, toured Iraq twice and is a Purple Heart recipient. I couldn't be more proud of him. He is one of my personal heroes.
SEMPER FI…
There is someone in my neighborhood that plays the bagpipes. Around 3 or 4 every afternoon, he or she plays Amazing Grace. Today they played the Marine Corp Hymn. Now I know why. Great article here. Thank you.
Like the Nazi's, the regime were stopped short of production of atomics. Proven tto have used poison gas to kill civilians. And our troops came across piles of corpses like before. Too bad Adolf did not swing at the end of a rope like Sadam. Semper Fi! An Ex-squid
Sorry Scott
But you know nothing about God and Truth is just a word you abuse
will you marry me?
Thank you to all our servicemen and women. Happy Birthday Marines! All of you are our true heros!
Thank you, Bob, and all Marines and families of Marines. My Daddy fought in World War One at Meusse Argonne, Chateau Thierry , Belleau Wood and several other fronts. About 124 boys went over in his group and about 23 came back alive. We owe all Marines a tremendous debt of gratitude. Semper Fi.
As I type, I weep, I sent this to everyone in my address book, GOD BLESS the MARINES and ALL of our ARMED FORCES. Well done Bob.The LIBERALS place in HELL is reserved.
Bob, thanks for the Happy Birthday. Seeing your article makes me feel that it was worth it to put my life on the line for this country.
Great tribute, Bob! I tell you…that woman in the Shell station…she's half dead already. Soulless and mindless. Oh well, you can't fix stupid. And it's her loss. She'll never know that emotional lump in the throat that you describe. I love those in our military like brothers and sisters…and when I get anxious and fearful for the future of our great nation…I just think about them…and I know it's going to be all right. WE will preserve this nation, as they have in the past.
Good article Bob, but please remember, that lady at the service station is part of what we fight for. Freedom is a gift we give, never expecting to be recognized or remembered. Happy Vets day to all of you vets, and to the rest, thanks for keeping this place together so I had a place to come home. –Merv Martin, 14 years USN and a definite weeper.
Cowboy Logic – You ought to be ashamed to be politicizing this whole thing. Why do you think POTUS doesn't care?? Want to back that up with proof? I have Marines in my family and I am a supporter. Go sulk somewhere else. November was over a year ago. Get over it.
"Semper Fi!"
Always faithful. I have a nephew in the Marines, one in the Army and one about to go into the Navy and my husband is retired Airforce so I know all about the sacrifice of each and everyone of our brave military families. Many thanks and hats off to one and all!
Really!!!!! Where do you live? My BIL has someone who does the same thing!!!!! He lives in Maryland north of Baltimore just off I-95
Hymie, you been drinking again?
Ok, someone 'Splain to me (Ricky Ricardo) what Liberals have to do with this discussion. I am a Dem – not a left wing lib like Nancy, but a Dem just the same. My niece just graduated from Parris Island and is stationed at camp P in San Diego. Why should I go to hell???
Thank you for your service!
Stand Proud Marines!
[...] the whole story here: Bob Hamer aggregated by [...]
Lets see something good:
http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/holiday/usmc2009/
Great video tribute from Godaddy.
I am, as my brother often says – "a pain in-the-*ss-liberal". In fact, I am a civilian who has never served in any military capacity whatsoever. I do know history however – and I know especially the sacrifices made by marines in the island-hopping hell of World War II, the jungles of Vietnam, the cities of Iraq as well as the treacherous terrain of Afghanistan. I had a former boss who was a former marine – a big, tough, back slapping farm-boy from Kentucky, (his old man had been on Okinawa, in fact – as a marine) and in my college days lived with an entire house of marine enlistees and marine ROTC guys – some of the best friends I ever had and likely will have. As a rule, I have never been more impressed with the character and traits of a single group of people more than I've been with U.S. Marines.
I'm not talking about religious fanatics, bankers, not college professors or business hotshots or academics with impressive and learned backgrounds – but just former or current marines. They're just fair-minded, tough, funny human beings and some of the best friends you will ever have. Thanks for that.
Anyhoo, on this important day I want to thank you guys & gals – all for your sacrifices and the sacrifices of your comrades over the years and want to let you know – even amongst some of us dumbass liberals
you are loved, appreciated and deeply respected. Semper Fi and Rock on, brothers & sisters of the U.S. Marine Corps – present and past.
–Bob
Columbus, OH
Bob- Thank you for you and your son's service. I spent ten years in the Air Force and my hubby is still active duty.
I cry when I hear the National Anthem and it's nice to know that others do to.
Angelina (Holloman AFB)
Sir:
I must admit, I teared up while reading your essay. That happens a lot: when I'm saying the Pledge of Allegiance, when I see a convoy of military vehicles carrying our future to or from deployment, when I see a C117 fly over doing take-off-and-landing exercises. I commute past both an Army base and an Air Force base, and I frequently come face-to-face in the surrounding communities with these courageous people, and I admit, I choke back tears of pride when I extend my hand to shake theirs, every one my hero.
On this day, your birthday, 10 November 2009, I salute you, the United States Marine Corps, for your unwavering dedication: to your Credo – Semper Fi – Fidelity Forever; to your brothers-in-arms; to our country; and to your oath, many times proven beyond human endurance, to "Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America."
Thank you for giving me the freedom to misspend my youth and the inspiration to redeem my life in my old age. God bless the USMC.
Hymie – I am a Dem – does that make me a scum sucking LIB? Well the FU —- Suck This!!
I want to thank all of you for your postings and for all of you that served, are serving and will serve THANK YOU! I was not born in this country but my heart and soul are from here. I get chocked up every time I read about the many sacrifices many have made, are making and will continue to make. Thank you for allowing me to cry and know that others cry with me. Because of you people like me have freedoms that are not heard of in other countries. There is no greater honor than what you men and women stand for. I could go on and on but I just wanted to say that I will be eternally grateful and I am teaching my children the same. God Bless each one of you!
On this day and tomorrow, I spend my awake moments with tears in my eyes. Tears ready to escape the pools formed by the salt of 69 years of existence on this place we have called home. My memories of my peace time service in the Corps, my memories of friends made and friends lost or forgotten. Forgotten until, I see in some young Marine the friend I once had … then I know, we will survive.
Semper Fi and God Bless every man and women who has, is or will serve their country in the United states military.
[...] that have ane are still serving thanks for your service Happy Birthday Marines and Semper Fi! Big Government Blog Archive Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines —————- Now playing: Pat Benatar – Dirty Little Secrets via FoxyTunes [...]
What a bunch of racist, scared, disloyal Americans. Keep disrespecting the Commander in Chief you losers. Waaaaahhh a black guy won and we are just dumb ass jar heads, waaahhhhh. BTW, Reagan was a spokes model run by corporations. He ruined the economy by giving tax cuts to the rich that were spent on bonuses and perks instead of jobs. Get your facts straight you ignorant idiots.
That's not surprising, actually. You are wrong, but it's not surprising you'd try to justify your actions with that self-serving sanctimonious excuse.
Thank you Sir! And thanks to your son and all who fight for our beloved liberty as my father did at Iwo Gima. God bless you and yours and a hearty Amen!
Thomas Watkins
Dallas, TX
How stupid do you have to be to STILL think we invaded Iraq for WMD's? The damn authorization for use of force in Iraq has been available on the internet for YEARS. READ IT! If you bothered to do so you would know it only says "POSSIBLE WMD'S" among the long list of reasons for the authorization…. including years of UN sanction violations. Scott, you should be ashamed at your ignorance.
I served 8 years in the US Navy. The first 2 years was spent in training to be a nuclear trained machinist mate on a submarine. I spent the next 6 years aboard the most highly decorated ship in US Naval history (now decommisioned) and was no small contributor to that fact. My technical knowledge and skill allowed the submarine and crew to complete our mission more than one time. I made pay grade E-6 in 6.5 years. To this day I STILL wish I had joined the Marines instead.
Cowboy,
Thanks for the reply and how you feel about the situation with the leadership that we currently have and the terrorist act at Fort Hood.
Your mood is matched here at 29 palms by thousands of men.
Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun.
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes, You will find us always on the job, the United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve.
In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes,
they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
Semper fi
That's your own opinion, sir, nothing more or less.
My tour in the Corp is one of the best times in my life. Our yougest son is now serving at Camp leJune. Happy bitrthday to all of you jarheads out there. I hope we survive to see 235.
Born in a bar and tempered in battle. Semper Fi.
James R,
If you're not a "LIBERAL", chances are you don't have a reservation. Need any more Splainin?
Semper Fi and Happy Birthday to all my fellow Marine Brothers and Sisters. We still look pretty damn good at 234!
Blow it out your ass, rightwing turd. Liberals fought and died for this country, so take your Obama-bashing bullshit and ram it.
Your article brought a tear to my eye, and a chill to my spine.
Thank You.
And, happy birthday, Marines.
James Conner
Sergeant, USMC (1991-1997)
And don't forget Slick Willie's performance on Normandy Beach for the 50th Anniv of D Day…the pensive face, biting the lip, etc – all posed for the camera's. What a dispicable fake.
I remember "weeping" when my college buddy was awarded his gold bars as a second lieutenant. in the Marine Corps. His father, who served with special forces in Vietnam was the one who pinned them on. I was in my third year of college after completing four years on active duty as an enlisted Marine. I couldn't quite figure out at the time why I was weeping. Looking back on it, I guess it was pride. I was proud at myself for having earned the title. Proud for my friend. Proud for his dad for having sacrificed so much and having left so much in Vietnam and yet never complaining,or bragging, about it. And I guess I was also proud that I could look around the room that day and see so many veterans who had served and know I was one of them. That I was part of something that is so much bigger and more important than any one person. I felt proud and also very humble.
Bob ~ In these times disent IS INDEED patriotic sir. I continue to dissent against the Muslim Marxist that slithered its way in OUR White House! I will dissend against his totalitarianism until January 2013
How stupid do you have to be to STILL think we invaded Iraq for WMD's?
In scott's case it's more blatant dishonesty. The desire to repeat the narrative and hope people believe it. Of course, one has only to do things like what you mention to notice that narrative is based on rather dubious claims, or just another damned lie if you feel like being blunt.
[...] That “Mop” Thing Nice Deb: Project Valour-IT USMC Birthday Edition Bob Hamer, Big Government: Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines Michelle Malkin: Happy 234th Birthday, Marines! Bob Parsons, GoDaddy.com: Bob’s Birthday [...]
[...] GoDaddy.com: Bob’s Birthday Tribute to the US Marine Corps Bob Hamer, Big Government: Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines Blatherings Blog: It’s the Marine Corps [...]
Great piece, Hamer. Here's to absent friends; Semper Fi!
Bob:
Bravo Zulu.
For the past 3 1/2 years I have been researching and writing the biography of LtGen Victor "Brute" Krulak, the most important officer in the history of the USMC, and I can tell you that the time spent with Marines, with warriors, was the highlight of my life.
God bless the USMC.
Robert Coram
Happy Birthday Teiffelhunden! – from a disabled retired sailor who served with the Corps and so wished he had joined them when he had the chance…..
I grew up on Marine Corps bases and served in the Air Force myself. I have a great deal of respect for legitimate authority, the military, and people who serve and sacrifice. I have a great deal of disgust toward leftist liberals who bash the military and yet support so blindly the socialists in Washington. I do, however, agree that dissent is part of our duty. It was Thomas Jefferson's own words that it is the citizens' responsibility to limit the politicians ability to engage in totalitarian acts. Sending our soldiers off to fight battles that neither protect or serve the interest of the individuals making up society is tyranny. I support our men and women in the service but I don't support our nation building interventionist foreign policy or the bureaucrats who orchestrate it. We should have the strongest military on earth and use it only when first harmed. When it is used it should be with utter and complete destruction of the transgressor – none of this perpetual war on ______.
James,
Why do I think Obama doesn't care? Because he is a phony.
“When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit. For the Mission’s sake, our country’s sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division’s colors in past battles – who fought for life and never lost their nerve – carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy than a U.S. Marine.” – Major General James N. Mattis. Commander, 1st Marine Division, March 30, 2003, on the eve of crossing into Iraq
Reading those words just made the hair on the back of my neck stand up!
God Bless the US Marines!!!
[...] Day Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines Happiness is a Navy guy hangin’ with The [...]
You made this former U.S. Marine tear up with your article.
Semper Fi
Cowboy Logic
Total agreement and sharing of the 'Sham' of being represented to the world by this mockery.
However, I am still Proud to be an American, as I am not ready to concede defeat by his hands.
With all the enemies the world over – the one within is the worst we have to fight. We are not fighting a combat mission but a tribe of assassins who infiltrate every area of our lives. The fight is so difficult because the enemy is also the apathy of our own neighbors and friends.
There is nowhere to run or go to ground, so if we wish to survive, we must fight against this insidious evil everyday on every front.
Remember the Alamo!
libertymoon
Thank You.
Thanks. You're right.
Remember Ft. Hood!
Happy Birthday Marines. I was fortunate enough to tour the incredible USS New York yesterday and met many awesome Marines and sailors. For those of you who might not know, the ship has several tons of steel from the World Trade Center in the prow: unadorned and unpainted, right on the waterline where it cuts through the water.
Great argument idiot. Some people didn't like Bush so now you, as some fake ass "proud Marine" feel free to disrespect the Commander in Chief? You're a joke and have no idea what it means to serve. You're in it for yourself and it shows. Go join a rural militia, that's where you belong. "You too" arguments don't work you child.
[...] GoDaddy.com: Bob’s Birthday Tribute to the US Marine Corps Bob Hamer, Big Government: Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines Blatherings Blog: It’s the Marine Corps [...]
Thanks for a great post. Semper Fi, Brothers.
Robert A. Hall
http://www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com
Cpl, USMC 1964-68
SSgt, USMCR 1977-83
As the wife of a former Marine I can safely say that Marines look hot in thier charlies!
Happy Birthday and God Bless!
Thank you Bob, for a thoughtful and heartfelf post. I too am father of a marine (3 OIF deployment)…also son of a marine (korea)…though the honor of being a marine skipped a generation, I am proud of marines. Like you I have often wondered if the "dissenters" of the Bush administration and Iraq wars had any idea of the sacrifices made on their behalf. I am, and tears well just thinking about it. As you describe your "new friend" I thought of marines I know, and knew, who paid partial or full measure of their devotion to others. I think of Kenny, whose shoulder socket was blown out by a sniper bullet and remember him showing up at "homecoming" in his dress blues, arm hanging by his side, big ole smile on his young marine face. I think of Kevin, killed by a sniper (possibly the same one…….who was most likely killed months later when he gave his position away by accidently using a tracer round) just weeks before the same homecoming.
cont. in next comment
cont……And I think of the emotional scars carried by the 19 year old marine who fought all night long, Christmas night '04, as his family opened presents around a Christmas tree back home. I wonder if he'll ever view Christmas in the same way he used to….birth of the Savior of mankind….family, food, gifts, music, ….and I well up with pride that he would sacrifice his own comfort and joy for others.
Will the "dissenters" ever know? I doubt it. But they don't matter any more
Thank you for such a moving piece. And Thank You to all our men and women who wear the uniform in defense of our country, our Constitution, our liberty (and that of the rest of the world). We owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. God bless you all. We are so grateful for your service, and that of your families too.
[...] Government (Hat Tip: The Radio Patriot) – Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines Sphere It Share and [...]
[...] Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines from Big Government by Bob Hamer [...]
I don't expect perfection. There will always be some hypocrisy, especially at the extremes on each side. But I expect some core principles. What are the left's core principles? Standing up for the little guy? Then were do the "clinging to guns and religion" comments and the "trailer trash" comments directed at people like Paula Jones and Sarah Palin come from? That brings me to feminism. Where's the outrage over Bill Clinton's womanizing and sexual harassment and the accusations of rape against him? Minority rights and racial sensitivity? Where to the racially-charged attacks on people like Clarence Thomas, Condoleezza Rice, and other black conservatives (including the physical assault of Kenneth Gladney after calling him the n-word) come from? Go ahead. Humor me. What are the left's core principles?
And before you ask, the three pillars of Reagan's conservativism are the (A) fiscal responsibility and limited government, (B) support of the military and national defense (extending to more local law-and-order issues), and (C) social conservativism which includes opposition to abortion on demand and Judeo-Christian moral values. The biggest example of the abandonment of those principles was spending during the George W. Bush presidency, which is why his popularity ratings were so low and why voter identification with the Republican party is so low. Those numbers don't get into the 20% range unless your base starts jumping ship and they were jumping ship because of the sacrifice of principles. The mainstream media seems to assume that the reason Republican identification is so low is because they've become too extreme on the right. No. The problem is that they've been sacrificing conservative principles and it's the far right that's abandoning them.
If the problem is that I'm not being objective, then give me the counter-examples that I'm asking for. If you can't, the absence of evidence proving your point will be telling.
i wrote a big long reply but the "site admins"must review it before it's posted.
i.e., don't hold your breath…yep, i am being censored on biggovernment.com
Don't feel bad. Half of mine was held in the same status. If they are censoring you, they are censoring me, too.
Good excuse you dope.
[...] GoDaddy.com: Bob’s Birthday Tribute to the US Marine Corps Bob Hamer, Big Government: Happy 234th Birthday to the Marines Blatherings Blog: It’s the Marine Corps [...]
Truer words I have not heard recently. Thanks
Thank you, Preacher.
On the birthday of the USMC, I reflected on my father. He was a loving father and very patriotic. He even started up, and served as Commandant, of The Marine Corp League in the little town I grew up in. When he died he was buried in his uniform for the Marine Corp League and his casket was etched with the USMC Emblem with his years of service. He survived The Chosin Reservoir but he was the rough and gentle hand the guided me through life, down the aisle and into life. I miss him dearly. He was proud to be a Marine til the day he died.
What a load of crap. how many innocent Iraqi and Afghan civilians have the marines raped, tortured, murdered and displaced. You pathetic flag waver. Just stay in the USA and you may just be tolerable. ARSEHOLES!
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For those interested in learning the Constitution please check out http://www.AmericanCitizens.org They have FREE Video training classes on the Constitution. You can also read or listen to the reading of the Constitution or download to your MP3 player. Check out the very funny video titled.. Is This You? of Barney Fife trying to recite the Preamble to the Constitution. Extremely funny but a serious message that needs to be spread! Please help spread it! SEMPER FI!