Happy 231st Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!

As a career Navy man, I would normally refer to my "Devil Dog" shipmates, now colleagues and friends, as "Jar-Head," "Leather-Neck," or any number of colorful terms of, er, endearment. But they were always held in my highest esteem (even if I didn't necessarily tell them that), and when it comes to discipline and esprit de corps, NO ONE has it over these most excellent American Patriots. As defenders of our way of life, there is no way we can thank them enough for what they have done and sacrificed for us over these 231 years.

"There is a special aura surrounding the word "Marine." It means something different than a soldier, a cut above, and more can be expected from this person. Pride and cockiness are the trademarks of Marines, the strongest brotherhood in the world. To serve in the Marine Corps is to serve in an organization that demands and delivers excellence beyond all others. Service in the Marines leaves a lasting impression upon the innermost being of everyone who is privileged enough to serve. "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." To dispute this is to invite a brawl." ~ A Former Marine

After having spoken to many Marines about why on Earth they would join the strictest of all military branches, the answer usually has something to do with the idea of Grit. They either want it, want to prove they have it, or already have it and no other uniformed service could satisfy it.

History of the USMC
The Corps got its first sense of identity from (in fact was largely modeled after) the British Royal Marines. The USMC emblem was also inspired by that of the Royal Marines - unlike other military branches, neither incorporates a shield signifying defense (suggesting singleminded offense, perhaps).

During the War of 1812 with England, the British burned every public building in Washington D.C. (including the White House). Every one, except for the U.S. Marine barracks which was spared out of respect.

See this great rundown of U.S. Marine History RIGHT HERE!

Reality Check: For those set against our War on Terror and are horrified at the price this war has exacted in Iraq; and especially for those who gleefully decried (and, it has to be said, reveled in) the landmark 2,000th military death after more than two years of fighting, here is something to think about: 2,321 U.S. Marines died in six hours during the Battle of Iwo Jima. I think it is safe to say that the overwhelming majority of these Brave Men and Women of the Marines believe in what they are doing, and now MORE THAN EVER, along with their brave Army, Air Force and Navy comrades, they need our support. Why not say a simple "Thanks!" whenever you see them? It costs nothing to say it, and to them it means everything

Happy Birthday, Devil Dogs! and Semper Fi!