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Thank you for joining us for this issue of Marine Parents News. If this is your first time receiving the newsletter, welcome aboard, we're excited for you to be here!
On this day 240 years ago, the Continental Marines were established, and we'd like to begin this issue by wishing all United States Marines a very happy birthday! Happy birthday Marines!
For a number of years now, I've had the pleasure of attending Marine Corps birthday celebrations around Missouri. This year, I attended the birthday dinner held by the Columbia, Missouri Marine Corps League Detachment 828 and had the pleasure of sitting next to Tom Henderson, a World War II-era Marine who was with the First Marine Air Wing. Shortly after America entered World War II, Mr. Henderson enlisted in the Marine Corps and, after completing training at MCRD San Diego to become proficient working on scout/dive-bombers, was shipped (initially) to the Philippines before "island-hopping" north as the Marines fought the Japanese. Having the chance to speak with Tom and hear him talk about his time in the Corps was truly inspirational.
In addition to today being the Marine Corps' birthday, tomorrow is Veterans Day, and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all service members, past and present, for their service and sacrifice on our behalf. Additionally, we encourage all of our readers to thank the veteran(s) in their lives on this special day.
Semper Fi Marine Families!
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Since 1775, the United States Marine Corps has provided patriotic young men and, since 1918, women with the chance to fight for, and protect, our freedom, instilling them with the core values of honor, courage, and commitment along the way. By refusing to be anything or accept anyone other than the best, the Marine Corps has established itself as America's elite fighting force.
Over the course of the 240 years since its inception, the Marine Corps has become world-renowned for the courage, determination, and selflessness displayed by those who have proudly called themselves "Marine." In some of the most infamous battles in our country's history, from Belleau Wood in World War I to Guadalcanal, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima in World War II, from the Chosin Reservoir in Korea to Khe Sanh and Hue City in Vietnam, from Fallujah and Ramadi in Iraq to Kandahar in Afghanistan, the Marine Corps has shown time and again that it doesn't matter who the enemy is, how brutal the fighting is, or how slim the odds are--Marines do whatever is necessary to get the job done, paying for it in blood, sweat, and tears.
Today, November 10, marks the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps and tomorrow, November 11, is Veterans Day. From the opening shots of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord to the recent military engagements in the Middle East, generations of heroic men and women have put everything, including their lives, on the line to protect the freedom we as Americans value so dearly.
With that in mind, we at Marine Parents would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" to our men and women in uniform, past, present, and future. Happy birthday Marines!
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History of the Marine Corps Birthday
The Marine Corps' birthday is a day of pride and respect, and its celebration is one of the most revered traditions in the Corps. Each year, on November 10th, Marines around the world celebrate what they see as their "second" birthday, the day the United States Marine Corps was born.
The tradition runs deep. For years, Marines have been telling each other "Happy Birthday" on November 10th and attending Marine Corps Birthday Balls in cities across the globe. Each year, the Commandant of the Corps reads his "Birthday Message" to all Marines, and they "...reflect upon the legacy of [the] Corps and upon the awesome responsibilities lying ahead." (Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines by Marion F. Sturkey)
In 1921, the thirteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General John A. Lejeune, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47. This order summarized the history, mission, and traditions of the Marine Corps and was to be read to all Marine commands throughout the world each year on the 10th of November. It is now referred to as the "Marine Corps Birthday Message", and it is issued by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
To learn more about the history of the Marine Corps birthday, please click here...
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Presidential Proclamation -- Veterans Day, 2015
Today, November 11, is Veterans Day. In honor and recognition of this solemn day, President Barack Obama released the following statement:
"The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known. The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them.
Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend. We have made it easier for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care for all veterans. Just as every veteran deserves the support and benefits they have earned, those who have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a place of their own to call home. To uphold this ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness. No one who fights for our country should have to fight for the care they deserve. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war.
Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world. They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families. On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do.
With respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth."
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Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, a number of restaurants and businesses around the country offer free or discounted goods, services, and meals to both veterans and active-duty service members. In 2015, the following restaurants and businesses are offering discounts*:
Click here to learn more about Veterans Day deals and discounts near you!
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Discounts only valid at participating locations.
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