As well as a retired Marine, I am also a former GS4 Nuclear Security Officer.
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed state of moral and patriotic feeling, which thinks that nothing is worth war, is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing that he cares for more than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature that has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than him." ~ John Stewart Mill
We have many customs in the Marine Corps, but the most outstanding custom is simply being a Marine, and all that it implies. Call it morale, call it Esperit De Corps, call it what you will. It is that pride which sets a Marine apart from the men and women of the other services. It is not taught from manuals, yet it is the most impressive lesson a recruit learns in boot camp. It is not tangible, yet it has won fights against insurmountable odds. Those of us that have had the privilege of serving in the Marine Corps value our experience as among the most precious of our lives. The fellowship of shared hardships and dangers in a worthy cause creates a close bond of comradeship. It is the basic reason for the cohesiveness of Marines and for the pride we have in our Corps and our loyalty to each other. A Marine is proud of the Corps and believes it to be second to none. A Marine does not seek awards or medals for his duty or sacrifice; rather he strives only to always do his very best. Perhaps someday to hear the ultimate accolade of the silent whisper from all those have gone before him, Job well done Marine.
It is no wonder then that long after the uniform has been laid aside. The last order given. The final salute rendered. The last handshake shared. And the occasional tear brushed away by a determined hand. Long after that it still runs in your veins. Lives in your mind. Dominates your will. Long after that you feel the call. The esperit that can only be shared among brothers. Among individuals bonded together by the truest ideals, for you must understand, Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Adhering always to our motto Semper Fidelis, translated from latin... Always Faithful.
Other Comments:
Would like to hear from as many of you that know and served with me to see how you are and catch up on time. Miss the Corps bigtime. The USMC is over 225 years of romping, stomping, hell, death and destruction. The finest fighting machine the world has ever seen. We were born in a bomb crater, our mother was a saber and our father was the devil. Each moment that I live is an additional threat upon your life. I am a rough looking, roving soldier of the sea. I am cocky, self-centered, overbearing, and I do not know the meaning of fear, for I am fear itself. I am a green, amphibious monster made of blood and guts who arose from the sea, feeding on anti-Americans throughout the globe. Whenever it may arise, and when my time comes, I will die a glorious death on the battle field, giving my life to Mom, the Corps, and the American flag. We stole the Eagle from the Air Force, the Anchor from the Navy, and the Line from the Army. On the 7th day, while God rested, we over-ran his perimeter and stole the Globe, and we've been running the show ever since. We live like soldiers and talk like sailors and slap the hell out of both of them. Soldier by day, Lover by night, Drunkard by choice, " MARINE BY GOD "
