Marines celebrate Corps birthday

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Marine Corps Aircraft Group 41 Detachment Alpha, gathered at Club Muroc Nov. 10 to celebrate the 234th birthday of the Marine Corps.

The event opened with a video message from Gen. James T. Conway, the Marine Corps Commandant, who told those attending the celebration to take a moment to pay tribute to the brave men and women, whom he called today's heroes, who willfully go in harms way in Afghanistan and Iraq.

General Conway, who is the 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps talked about the heroic actions Marines are displaying in battles and said Marines today have the same semper fidelis as Marines of many years ago.

"We don't join the Marine Corps to go to college, we don't join the Marine Corps to make a lot of money, we join the Marine Corps because we want to be the best," General Conway said.

He advised Marine Corps leaders to strive to inspire someone rather than try to motivate, "Inspiration may last a lifetime," he said.

The general asked everyone to raise their glasses or canteen cups and pay tribute to past warriors.

Lt. Col. Christopher Keane welcomed guests and reminded everyone our country is still in combat on two fronts. He said the men and women who wear the Marine uniform are the finest around.

"The Marine Corps is the finest fighting force in the world," he told his fellow Marines.
"I'm proud to call each and every one of you my brother,"

Colonel Keane, then cut the cake while Staff Sergeant Jenny Lee described the time-honored tradition of handing the first slice to the oldest Marine there, Sgt. Maj. Charles Dillree. The second piece of cake was handed to the youngest Marine there, Lance Corporal Oscar Gutierrez, a tradition that symbolizes handing down the spirit of the corps.

The annual ritual of celebrating the Nov. 10, 1775 birth of the U.S. Marine Corps ended with the Marine Corps Hymn playing in the background.

Traditionally, the third verse is used as toast during formal events.

"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 the United States Marines."