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marine corps birthday

Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day

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Marine Mom Annual Letter

This Marine Mom has written several previous letters to the Marine Corps. It’s been a couple of years since I wrote my last letter. But this year I felt compelled to write again.

It’s late at night this year and I’m reviewing the past couple of years. Two of my Marines are veterans. My third, a son from another Mother, is finishing up his last tour after two enlistments.

The years 2020 and 2021 have seen a lot of changes and challenges. Everyone has had their challenges and obstacles to overcome. I do have to say that my boys have gained the skills from the USMC to not only deal with the challenges but come out the other side better men.

Dear Marine Corps,

Thank you Marine Corps for teaching my Marines, patience, flexibility, motivation, and endurance through trials and life.

Thank you for teaching them patience. They learned patience in many ways. Patience was needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns, masks, and shutdown of a career that was just getting started required not only patience but flexibility.

Patience, from the “hurry up and wait” mantra of the Marine Corps taught them to endure this past 18 months. The inability to attend college classes, and not being able to go to the gym on base.

A Marine stand in front of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor at MCRD San Diego.

The constant need to adapt to the needs of the Marine Corps gave them all the flexibility to change, adapt, and create new daily goals to stay motivated and help others do the same.

Motivate!

Yes, thank you for this phrase. I hear often from my oldest Marine veteran. It was not only a challenge to stay motivated during the lockdown, but to keep his colleagues motivated during the lockdown and work shutdown.

A US Marine who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom 2012

He not only endured but thrived and took the lessons he learned from the United States Marine Corps, and experience in Airwing supply logistics and applied them organizing crews unloading semi-trucks for stadium tours and Broadway shows.

Lastly thank you for the endurance given to a specific deployed Afghanistan Marine this year. I am sure he saw more than he probably wanted to see, and will never look at freedom and home the same after the end of August.

Honoring our Armed Forces on the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day.

I haven’t had a chance to give him a hug yet and tell him how proud I am of him. He doesn’t think I thought of him often, but I did. He has grown so much during these since I first met him at age 10 and now he has the eyes of experience. Thank you for bringing him home safe and sound.

Thank you again,

A Thankful Marine Mom

Marine Corps Birthday

So on this unofficial holiday of the Marine Corps birthday, I want to remember how the Marines have helped make men out of boys.

USMC Birthday Message to Marine Corps Parents

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In years past I have written my USMC Birthday message to the Commandant of the Marine Corps or to the U.S. Marines in general.

United States Marine Corps Birthday 2017

I am now addressing the new Marine Corps parents and families. Being a Mother of three Marines gives me a different perspective than my first year. Marine history, traditions, and responsibilities I understand more than ever.

Yes, I WAS that nervous Marine Corps boot camp Mom who couldn’t hold her camera still due to my hands shaking. I wear Marine Mom clothing and have my share of Marine decor around the house.

After attending three Marine Corps graduations and listening to my Marines complain has given me a thicker skin. My viewpoint is a little different.  It is said, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” and the saying is also true. Once a Marine Mom, always a Marine Mom.

In years past I have written my USMC Birthday message to the Commandant of the Marine Corps or to the U.S. Marines in general.

I am now addressing the new Marine Corps parents and families. Being a Mother of three Marines gives me a different perspective than my first year. Marine history, traditions, and responsibilities I understand more than ever.
Yes, I WAS that nervous Marine Corps boot camp Mom who couldn’t hold her camera still due to my hands shaking.

After attending three Marine Corps graduations and listening to my Marines complain has given me a thicker skin. My viewpoint is a little different.  It is said, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” and the saying is also true. Once a Marine Mom, always a Marine Mom.
The United States Marine Corps teaches new recruits to become independent adults. We notice the initial change during the family day and graduation. Our new Marines stand taller, more confident, and have an air about them that is sometimes completely foreign to the son or daughter that left home 13 weeks earlier.

USMC Letter to Parents

Read my previous letters to the USMC and the Commandant below

This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.” 
2017 Marine Corps Birthday Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps


The United States Marine Corps teaches new recruits to become independent adults. We notice the initial change during the family day and graduation. Our new Marines stand taller, more confident, and have an air about them that is sometimes completely foreign to the son or daughter that left home 13 weeks earlier

USMC Letter to Parents

“Dear Marine Corps Parents,

Marine Moto Run on Family Day

Your new Marine is has been put through the toughest military training and has NOT been babied. They have NOT been coddled. You may cry a little inside when they tell you stories of boot camp. You probably did when you read their letters from home. It is said it takes three weeks to form new habits. Your Marine formed new habits and broke old ones. 

Trust in the Corps, trust in your sons and daughters. USMC training is tough, it is meant to be. It prepares them for their duties ahead, it prepares them deployment, for war, for battle, and for life after the Marines.

When your Marine complains, bite your tongue, don’t enable but encourage. If they say they are broke and have no money, don’t send any. Seriously, don’t.

A message to new Marine Corps parents as they attend their first Marine Corps Graduation

Marines HAVE money.  According to my THREE Marines, they have expendable income. Their rent, utilities are paid. Your Marine needs to learn to manage money better. Drinking, tattoos, pizza three times a week and the cursed vending machines suck them dry. Mess hall food IS edible. It is not Mom’s home cooking, but it’s better than MRE’s if they are deployed. 

New Marines don’t need new vehicles. The payments coming out of their check and insurance could easily pay for a good pre-owned car and plane tickets home. 

Marines do NOT have to pay to have their taxes done. On every base, there are free tax services provided. An appointment is all that is needed. Signs are posted on bulletin boards as tax time approaches. They can also deduct all uniform and haircut expenses. That $9.00 haircut every week adds up. New boots, dress cover? Save receipts.

Did you know they can also be saving money for savings and retirement every paycheck? A class on financial responsibility is given in boot camp. They can designate a portion of their paycheck during the boot camp class and years later they will have thousands of dollars saved. Most will even forget about it and have a nice nest egg for a new car or down payment on a house when they get out.

The Marine Corps gives every Marine an opportunity to earn college credits, volunteer at civic organizations, and advancement in rank and pay. It’s a system of rewarding achievement. Challenge coins, ribbons, Marine of the Month, Quarter and LOAs (letters of achievement) can be earned and stay with them in their record.

Encourage your new Marine to participate, “embrace the suck” and when they receive their DD214’s at the end of service they will come to work in the “real world” is a piece of cake compared to the Corps. It is rare that a Marine enjoys their enlisted career, but it is rare that they don’t talk about it and stand a little taller when they get out. The camaraderie is one that remains for a lifetime. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

So Semper Fi parents, breathe, relax and enjoy the ride!

Best regards,

A Marine Mom 

USMC Graduation is the time for new beginnings for both Marines and their parents

 

Read my previous letters to the USMC and the Commandant below

Please feel free to read my previous letters to the US Marine Commandant, the Marine Corps as a whole and my heartfelt wishes during each year of my Marine Mom journey.

Marine Mom Message on the date of the Marine Corps Birthday 2017
2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.
A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.

2017 Marine Corps Birthday Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

A USMC Birthday Message From a Thankful Marine Mom

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My USMC Birthday Message

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

This will be my fourth year writing a USMC Birthday message to the United States Marine Corps.

Last year I was anticipating attending a third USMC Boot camp graduation at MCRD San Diego. It is with our 3rd Marine son in mind that I write this letter, and my appeal for all new Marines to watch, learn, and carry forth the tradition of Semper Fidelis Marines.

Marine Mom shirts are perfect gifts for a Mother with a son or daughter in the United States Marine Corps.

Letter from a USMC Mom

Dear Marine Corps

I sit here on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday with nothing to write. Seriously. In years pasts I’ve written to you that I am proud to be associated with the finest branch of the United States military.

I have expressed a military Moms pride, I have thanked you and have appealed for increased military leadership in the US Marines.  

But this year, I struggle to put words down. Why?

Maybe because you have taught this Marine Mom well. I don’t worry about my sons. They are in good hands. The USMC has taught them to survive, to take the bad with the good, and embrace “The Suck.” 

Never have I been that helicopter Mom who hovers and micromanages my kids. But it is only natural for a Mother to worry. I do see this in other Marine Moms, however, who worry if their sons and daughters are getting enough to eat, or is their drill instructor being too mean.

New Marine Moms struggle with the empty nest syndrome and lack of “instant communication” during boot camp. 

They wonder if their sons and daughters are getting enough to eat, is their drill instructor being too mean? Those are just some of the worries. These are eliminated during the USMC graduation family day, however.

If you know a USMC Mom then you always know what to get them. More Marine Mom shirts. Seriously, they can't have enough.

Read my previous letters to the USMC and the Commandant below

2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.
A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.
Happy Birthday Marine Corps!! Let's give a shoutout on November 10th of every year to the United States Marine Corps. Find Happy Birthday Marine Gifts for everyone including veterans, parents and wives.

Date of the USMC Birthday

The date of the USMC Birthday falls on November 10th every year to celebrate the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775.

They have a long tradition of brotherhood that dates back to their birthplace in Tun Tavern. Below is the annual message to Marines and their families from the Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller.

This Marine Mom sweatshirt is perfect for the proud USMC Mom as a boot camp graduation gift.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOSuslaKKHY[/embedyt]

 

A Marine Mom Letter to the Marine Corps on Their Birthday

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The Marine Corps birthday is just around the corner and once again I begin my Marine Mom letter to the Marine Corps.

My first letter was a request, last year was a letter of thanks and this year is emphasizing a Marine parents concern and an appeal for future Marines. Tonight I wait for photos from my second son’s Marine Corps Ball, to all Marines active, retired, or inactive, I wish you the best on this 240th Marine Corps birthday.

Marine Mom Letter to the Marine Corps

For the first time I have a family member in every phase of the Marine Corps journey. My oldest is using the Post 9-11 GI Bill to attend college, my youngest son is still active duty with less than a year left before he obtains his DD214 and begins a new chapter in his post USMC life, and my stepson is currently at boot camp. So another trip to MCRD San Diego is in the near future.

Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA
2011 Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA

So this year my letter is to Commandant General Robert B Neller, why not go large and speak right to the head person in charge. Here is his official Marine Corps birthday message and below is mine.

 

Dear Marine Commandant General Robert Neller,

This year another member of my family enters the United States Marine Corps and I want to impose on your to listen to a Marine Mom and our concerns as parents. Like our Marines, we come from different background, different ethnic groups, and different social economic backgrounds. Each one of us is unique and different, but there is a common thread, we love our sons and daughters.

Please continue to stress to NCOs that they are leaders and they should hold themselves to a higher standard. Junior Marines not only want good leaders, they NEED good leaders. So many young men and women enter the fleet barely out of high school and immediately leave for boot camp. Many times I hear of young Marines with money problems, girl problems, drinking problems and even bigger ones that land them in the brig or worse. 

In no way am I blaming the USMC, I recognize this is often the result of gathering young, hormone, gung-ho, “invincible feeling” men together in one location who have expendable income for the first time in their life.

However, I know from listening to my sons, the Marine Corps offers continuing education opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and various activities with the Single Marine Corps. Please continue to strongly encourage these men and women to take up a hobby, stay busy, and stay involved in not only the base community but the surrounding town in which they live. 

I am very lucky to have two Marine sons who listened to good leaders and are the best examples of what it means to be a Marine. I have watched as they serve their community, I have watched how they respect others, and notice their surroundings in order to respond quickly and lend a hand to someone in need. 

This year I will be attending my third Marine Corps graduation and as I watch the chaplain lead off the ceremony with a prayer, I pray the emphasis and dedication to God and country always remains an important part of the United States Marine Corps.

Signed a very proud Marine Mom

Happy Birthday Marine Corps Greeting Card Buy from and Support the USMCHappy Birthday Marine Corps Greeting Card Buy it from

My Previous Letters to the Marine Corps

You may be interested in reading my previous letters to the Marine Corps, here is 2014 letter and the first one I ever wrote. They are very popular this time of year and I welcome your comments below.

A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.

2016 Marine Mom letter on the USMC Birthd

This year I’m adding a new Marine video I just found and it’s quickly becoming my favorite. Performed by Madison Rising and with an introduction by R. Lee Emery, the actual Marine Drill Instructor in the movie Full Metal Jacket.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPLfGbtdlUM[/embedyt]

My Marine Mom Letter to the United States Marines

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Happy Birthday Marine Corps

I sit at my computer on the night of my youngest son’s Marine Corps Ball and reflect on the journey I’ve taken as a Marine Mom and want to say “Thank You.”

Marine Mom and sonFor four years I have been a Mother of two Marines. The first letter I wrote to the Marine Corps was more of a request. Two years later I have a different sentiment. Since then I have watched my sons grow into responsible, mature young men. The Marines have played a large part in developing the men they will be the rest of their life and I’m very proud of them both.

This year I was blessed to spend the longest quality, undivided, one on one time with my son. No competition with other siblings, no competing with friends, or capturing an hour here or there during a short military leave.

I was able to spend not hours, not one day, but several days in a row, getting to know my son on an adult level.  The opportunity to stand back and observe, take them in and realize how much he has grown, how much I love him, and how proud I am of the man he has become.

So this year, my letter to the United Stated Marine Corps takes a little different spin.

A Letter From a Marine Mom

Dear Marine Corps,

I want to take this opportunity, on the Marine Corps birthday to thank you,  from the bottom of this Marine Mom’s heart. A few years ago I loaned you my sons. You have treated them well and I am grateful.

Marine Corps birthday reflectionsThank you for giving them clear expectations, with a clear set of guidelines and rewards when a job is well done. Thank you for teaching them to be aware of their surroundings,  to defend themselves,  to protect the weak, and  stand firm against injustice. Not only against our enemy abroad, but in every day situations in life.

The Marine Corps taught my sons patience, tolerance, and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

Dealing with ever changing leave orders and plane reservations serves a purpose. It does carry forth to civilian life, especially when apartment plans, GI Bill delays, and schooling don’t go as planned. For this increased patience, thank you.

I have seen first hand the pride they take in being a part of a brotherhood. I’ve watched my sons interact with fellow Marines, not only with professionalism but respect.

It’s the everyday things that happen on a Marine base, the little things that mean a lot. The everyday event of colors and the national anthem played twice a day. While at the time this may not mean a thing, it gives them an anchor and pride in Corps and country in the future. A casual greeting of Semper Fi to a fellow Marine  serves to remind each of them of the lifelong brotherhood they share and will remain “Always Faithful.”

Thanks to the Marine Corps, my sons had the opportunity to become leaders and volunteer in their communities.

 They took advantage of continued education during active duty by taking classes. All this while becoming part of a long tradition of men and women serving their country.

This year I consider myself blessed to be a Marine Mom and I thank the Marine Corps for a few of those blessing.

Sincerely, 

A Mother of Two Marines

The actual US Flag flown at Iwo Jima displayed at the National Marine Corps Museum
The actual US Flag flown at Iwo Jima displayed at the National Marine Corps Museum

What changes have your seen in your son or daughter? I’d love to hear your insight on their experience.

More Marine Mom Marine Corps Birthday Letters

2016 Marine Mom letter on the USMC Birthd

2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine CorpsA Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.

Marine Corps Birthday Celebrations

Happy birthday Marine Corps! Here are 37 powerful pictures of the Marine Corps …

US Marine Corps photoA Marine field cook stationed in Bermuda showing the cake he baked for the Marine Corps’ birthday in 1943. The Marine Corps, 240 years old on Tuesday, has served a role in every conflict in the history of the United States.

Happy birthday Marine Corps – Business Insider

US Marine Corps photoA Marine field cook stationed in Bermuda showing the cake he baked for the Marine Corps’ birthday in 1943. The Marine Corps, 240 years old on Tuesday, has served a role in every conflict in the history of the United …

The 240th Birthday Message From The Commandant Of The …

There has never been a more important time to join the NRA and now Daily Caller readers can enjoy special pricing and benefits. Defend Freedom & Join NRA Today. Tags: 1775, Marine Corps Birthday, November 10, USMC.