Marine Corps birthday--2008

Ted Nugent:

From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, all across America and in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever America is being defended, the world’s most exclusive gun club is the celebrating its 233 birthday today.

Born in a roughneck Philadelphia bar in 1775 on a dare to surpass standard warrior excellence, the United States Marines Corps has distinguished itself over its history as the finest military force the world has ever seen. Do not point the US Marines Corps at anything you do not wish conquer. They are the pointy end of America’s spear.

The Devil Dogs are always the first to the fight. Looking at their battle flags fluttering in the breeze reminds of their bravery and warrior ethos. Battle streamers honoring their bravery in battles such as Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Chosin Reservoir remind us of just a few of the famous battles they have fought and won.

Having spent time with Devil Dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan while on a USO Tour, it was abundantly clear that these men and women are the most determined, courteous and
courageous people I have ever had the privilege of sharing time with. To the person, they all expressed their gratitude for being on the frontlines of the war on terror with their
fellow Marines. It truly humbled me to see that level of camaraderie and Blood Brotherhood dedication.

They not only fight for America, but for each other. This is the definition of 'espirit de corps".

I have visited with wounded Marines in hospitals. Regardless of the severity of their wounds, pain and suffering, they all expressed to me their utmost desire to return to the battlefield with their buddies to see the war won. This is the kind of sacrifice that leaves a lump in man’s throat. As I listened to them I couldn’t help but be so very thankful that America produces these young men and women of such character and determination.

When we get older, it’s natural to think about whether we’ve actually done something worthwhile. This is not the case for the leatherneck men and women of the mighty US Marine Corps. President Reagan said it best: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.”

I suspect if the Marines know one thing, it is that freedom is not free. There is a toll to be exacted and it is their blood, sweat, sacrifice and lives. As I type these vary words, there are leathernecks pushing ahead and killing Al Qaeda and Taliban voodoo monsters.

These leathernecks come from a long lineage of warriors who don’t know the meaning of quit. My hero, Colonel Lewis “Chesty” Puller summed it best when he said during the Korean War, “We're surrounded? Good, now we can kill the bastards in any direction."

...

Puller was living outside Quantico when I was going through Officers Basic School. Unfortunately, he had been banned from the school because the last time he was there he got the young officers so excited they were jumping off the balcony and a few broke their legs. I think he was probably a general when he made the remarks Nugent quotes. They were said during the break out from the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.

General Smith who was in charge of the Marine operation was asked if the Marines were retreating, responded, "No. We are surrounded and merely attacking in another direction." In doing so they destroyed the Chinese 8th Army making Mao reluctant to get in a fight with them again.

From the time I was in grade school I knew I wanted to be a Marine. I finished my undergraduate work in three years so I could go to OCS and later to Vietnam. I never regretted the choice. Marines are special people and we should all be glad we have them.