Happy 236th Birthday USMC

[draftingmonkey]

Happy 236th Birthday Brothers and Sisters.

A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine.
General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps


A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous combat operations against those who threaten the security of America and our allies. We turned the tide in the Anbar province of Iraq and continue to see success today in southwest Afghanistan. While it has come at a cost.. . we have much to be proud of.
This past year in operations around the world including humanitarian disaster relief, counter-piracy, theater security cooperation, special operations, counter-insurgency and many more, you continued to solidify our place as America's Expeditionary Force in Readiness. Since the Continental Congress created two battalions of Marines 236 years ago, our legacy as an ever-ready, ever capable, victory producing organization remains intact.
Our rich heritage of selfless service and fidelity to Nation and to one another lives on in all who currently wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor - those who have answered the clarion call to duty with remarkable courage, dedication and unshakable resolve that Marines are so well known for. To all Marines - past and present - and especially to our families ... I extend my deep gratitude for all you have done and all you continue to do.
As we celebrate our 236th birthday, let us look forward to future challenges whatever they may be - and reaffirm our pledge to be America's premier crisis response force; to be the first to fight. .. Always ready for the toughest and most challenging assignments.
Happy 236th Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fidelis,

James F. Amos
General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commandant Presents Birthday Message
http://www.military.com/news/article/marine-corps-news/commandant-presents-birthday-message.html

[HalfastJav]

Happy birthday indeed. My Grandfather was a Marine and when he passed on, nobody in the family had any interest in his Medals / Decorations? They were in a box on the floor along with other unwanted items. I jumped at the chance to take them not really knowing what they were or what they meant, see the old guy was an awesome, fun, and hilarious Grandfather. Though he didnt speak much of his time in the Marines.

  Question........ Can you or another member identify these items if i post pics? Might there be a place to learn what he did and where he was stationed etc?
It would give me a little more insight on my family.

Thanks, and Semper-Fi..........

[twodko]

Simper Fidelus devil dogs! A lifelong irritant has always been the media et al referring to a discharged Marine as an "ex-marine". Former......ex......NOT! A jarhead is a jarhead - period. This is why they invented bitch slapping.   

[hemi68charger]

 

[scamper340]

Happy birthday indeed. My Grandfather was a Marine and when he passed on, nobody in the family had any interest in his Medals / Decorations? They were in a box on the floor along with other unwanted items. I jumped at the chance to take them not really knowing what they were or what they meant, see the old guy was an awesome, fun, and hilarious Grandfather. Though he didnt speak much of his time in the Marines.

  Question........ Can you or another member identify these items if i post pics? Might there be a place to learn what he did and where he was stationed etc?
It would give me a little more insight on my family.

Thanks, and Semper-Fi..........

HaflastJav, sorry for digging up an old post, I haven't been on in a while and just saw this.  Post up pics of your Grandfather's medals.  I should be able to identify any medals and ribbons he earned. 
  As far as former and ex-Marines, I was always taught that if you did something to bring dishonor to the Marine Corps, you were considered an ex-Marine (ala Lee Harvey Oswald), and if you are no longer serving, you are a former Marine.  Nothing derogatory in being called a former Marine, just a way to differentiate between someone currently serving, and one who is no longer in an active capacity.  If I were to say to someone that I am a Marine, they would naturally assume that I am currently serving. 
S/F

[elacruze]

  As far as former and ex-Marines, I was always taught that if you did something to bring dishonor to the Marine Corps, you were considered an ex-Marine. 
S/F

AMEN!

I met a number of those shitbags working as civilian contractors, boozing it up, stealing, you name it they were doing it. Some of them had been Marines. I made some people very angry by voicing that distinction to them.

[TK73]

Ministry's dedication

WARNING:  Badass Industrial, not for the weak. 

CRANK IT UP!! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAQ32LLjNn8

[68X426]

I have been privileged to know numerous Marines. I can't say a big enough thank you to all of you.

[ACUDANUT]

Happy birthday indeed. My Grandfather was a Marine and when he passed on, nobody in the family had any interest in his Medals / Decorations? They were in a box on the floor along with other unwanted items. I jumped at the chance to take them not really knowing what they were or what they meant, see the old guy was an awesome, fun, and hilarious Grandfather. Though he didnt speak much of his time in the Marines.

  Question........ Can you or another member identify these items if i post pics? Might there be a place to learn what he did and where he was stationed etc?
It would give me a little more insight on my family.

Thanks, and Semper-Fi..........

I will try to help with the medals.  Let's see some pc's.