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Marine Corps

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]

 

Count Down To Christmas: Marine Corps Christmas Ornaments

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USMC Christmas Ornaments

I love the holiday season and everything about it including Christmas carols, outdoor light displays, making candy, baking cookies, and especially my Marine Corps Christmas Ornaments. 

To me, Christmas trees are a journey through life and memories of family and friends. Every year I open our ornament box and it’s a journey through our family history. It’s more than just commercialism and buying gifts. It’s preserving memories.

I Love Christmas Tree Ornaments

Marine Corp Christmas Ornaments are a favorite tradition and make great Marine Mom gifts.My Christmas tree is a memory tree, each ornament has a meaning or is significant. The tradition is each year I buy a Christmas ornament for each one of my kids which represents their life for that year. The promise is when each of them gets married and starts a family their box of ornaments will go with them to start their own family tree.

For instance, when my daughter played softball, it was a softball athlete ornament. When we took a ski trip to Colorado it was a skiing ornament from the resort. You get the picture.

Marine Moms are very sentimental and I would have to say every Marine Mom in the country has at LEAST one Marine Corps Christmas Ornament on their tree. In fact, I know some Marine Moms who decorate patriotic Christmas trees in a  with red, white and blue ornaments and accents.

Our tradition is to open the ornaments first on Christmas Eve and although my boys don’t like to be Motards with a lot of Marine Corps paraphernalia. But they do like and appreciate their Marine Corps Christmas ornaments and look forward to them every year. This ornament is the first one I gave to my oldest son his first year in the Corps.

I’ve started shopping for this years, but I can’t spoil the surprise for my boys my posting it here. So for those Marine Mom’s looking for Marine or military holiday decorations or themed Christmas tree ornaments here are a few selections.

Marine Corps Ornaments on Amazon

I like Amazon, it’s fast, reliable, and if there are any shipping issues it’s taken care of promptly. They also have the biggest selection and have just about EVERYTHING! How do you like to decorate your tree, is it thematic, color coordinated, or a memory tree?

Kurt Adler U.S. Marine Corps Combat Helmet Christmas OrnamentKurt Adler U.S. Marine Corps Combat Helmet Christmas OrnamentKurt Adler U.S. Marine Corps Cap Christmas OrnamentKurt Adler U.S. Marine Corps Cap Christmas OrnamentCafePress - USMC Merry Christmas Semper Fi - Christmas Ornament, Decorative Tree OrnamentUSMC Merry Christmas Semper Fi – Christmas Ornament, Decorative Tree OrnamentPersonalized Marine Corps Wood Heart Shaped OrnamentPersonalized Marine Corps Wood Heart Shaped OrnamentCafePress - Marine Mom Red Ornament - Round Christmas Ornament Marine Mom Red Ornament – Round Christmas OrnamentUSMC 3 inch folded fabric ornamentUSMC Christmas Ornaments – 3 inch folded fabric ornamentMarine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military GiftMarine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military GiftUSMC Marines Scrabble Tiles Ornament Handmade Holiday Christmas WoodUSMC Marines Scrabble Tiles Ornament Handmade Holiday Christmas WoodWooden Marine Corps Sergeant Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Sergeant Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Family Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Family Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Lance Corporal Christmas OrnamentWooden Marine Corps Lance Corporal Christmas Ornament

Why Is The Marine Corps Birthday So Important?

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When is the Marine Corps Birthday?

As November 10th rolls around United States Marines all over the world will recognize the Marine Corps Birthday.

Replica of Tun Tavern, home of the Marine Corps Birthday found at the National Marine Corps Museum just south of Washington DC.

Now just where was the Marine Corps born?

In a bar. Yes, you heard me right. On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was born in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, the owner and bartender became the first Marine recruiter.

The connection between a bar and the Marines very ironic, and underlying meaning not lost on this Marine Mom. Any Marine would LOVE this USMC t-shirt that rocks the birthplace of the Marines.

It seems only fitting the roughest, toughest, braggadocios fighting force in the world was born in a bar. You can still eat and drink at Tun Tavern, just not the original building. The replica Tun Tavern is located at the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico Virginia.

But back to why the Marines celebrate this birthday is celebrated more than any other United States branch of the military.

As a Marine Mom, I notice an increased reverence and respect not only with my sons but from total strangers who tell me thank you for their service.

Why Is the Marine Corps Birthday Special to Marines?

My sons would be the first to say they aren’t doing anything special. But, what is special is the history, tradition, and honor of serving in the Marine Corps. Marines are often called arrogant, prideful, and the best self-promoters in the military.

Tell that to a Marine and they will say “Hell Yeah!”  After being a Marine Mom for over ten years I’ve learned a little about the USMC culture and I agree.  

“The United States Marine Corps is different from the other branches, they have a right to be proud of their heritage, history, and culture”

Once a Marine Always a Marine

Marine Moms also need to celebrate the USMC birthdy. This US Marine Corps neckalce is a great gift to a Marine Mom for Christmas or on the USMC birthday

I recently read a Facebook post from Marine Moe Thomas who “dressed down” an Army soldier and tried to insult the USMC because he was tired of their “arrogance.”

I will translate this into a Marine Mom perspective. But, if you would like to read the statement directly from a Marine head over to the One Marines View page.

What Makes Marines Special?

What makes Marines special is an elusive quality of Esprit De Corps. The fact that as individual Marines, they feel that they are not one, but part of a bigger unit that moves as one, a Corps. When a Marine puts on the uniform, hears the Hymn, or goes into battle, they are going with every other Marine who has ever worn the uniform.

They stand behind every Marine who fought during the birth of our nation. They learn in boot camp,  and reminded throughout their career, that they follow a tradition of Marines who fought in WWI.

Marine Corps gifts are perfect for Christmas, birthdays or veterans. This United States Marine Corps wall clock is perfect for any Marine family or veteran.
This United

They gave birth to the legend of the “Teufel Hunden”, or “Devil Dogs”. They stand and represent Marines who took Iwo and Tarawa and countless other blood soaked islands throughout the Pacific.

The Chosin pass exhibit at the National Marine Corps museum

The legend of the “Frozen Chosin” and beloved Chesty Puller, Marines who battled at Hue City and Khe Sanh, and the muddy rice paddies of South East Asia are precursors of Marines of the future and battles fought in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom and now, are fighting in Afghanistan.

Famous Marine Corps Quote- To observe a marine is inspriational, to be a Marine is exceptional.

Like real brothers, their blood courses through our veins, and then we go into battle, they would rather lay down their lives than be a disappointment to the men and women who went before them. They carry a legacy, their deaths, and their honor which carries with them the rest of their lives.

The Marines are "first in and last out". USMC t-shirts are perfect for a Marine veterans.

The Marines Corps uniform doesn’t come off when active duty is over. Inactive and retired Marines where the symbol daily in our attitude, and our love of Corps and country.

They wear it on tattoos and bumper stickers. They wear it in their hearts. It’s why, no matter where we are in the world, on November 10th, every Marine celebrates the Marine Corps birthday.

It’s why they will never be an army of one. It’s why they never stop being Marines. It’s why, for most of them, being a Marine isn’t something they were. It’s something they are. It’s the most important part of who and what we are. Some say they’re arrogant.

A Marine will say they are proud. They have a right to be proud. They are the United States Marines. The most feared and ferocious group of warriors to walk the face of this earth.

This homemade USMC wall sign is perfect for a Marine Corps family. Hang Marine Corps decor in your home or office.

When Americas’ enemies formulate their battle plans, they plan on going around Marine units, because they know damn well that they can’t go through them. Marines are what other branches wish they were.

They are the modern-day Spartans. This isn’t bragging. It’s written in the battle history of our country.

When there’s a parade and the Marines march by, everyone pays a little more attention. Some say “arrogance”. The Marines and their Mothers call it “pride”. It’s why, in a crowd of servicemen, you can always spot the Marine.

This USMC EGA wood art plaque would make a great Chrismtas gift for a Marine veteran or family.

Why are Marines special? I don’t know. We just are.”

By the way, any Marine would LOVE the USMC wood art plaque above. If you have a Marine recruiter it would look fantastic over their desk.

Visiting the Marine Corps Museum

If you ever need to learn why the Marine is special then visit the USMC National Museum.

My biggest honor was visiting the National Marine Corps Museum with my son on my birthday. We spent two days immersed in not only Marine history, but American, World, and Military History.

The bravery, guts, and out and out “can do” attitude of the Marines, doing what others said couldn’t be done, going where other branches would go, and not giving up is a trait of the United States Marine Corps.

Exhibit at the Marine Corps Museum
Exhibit at the Marine Corps Museum

I stayed on a Navy and Marine base, at the guest hotel, and when colors played I stepped out of my room, stood silently and watched every Marine, every car, and every person stop where they were in respect for the flag, tradition, and country.

It may not mean much to some, but this Marine Moms heart swelled as I heard my son casually greet another Marine on the sidewalk with Semper Fi. Always Faithful, a small reminder to another Marine they represent a brotherhood that will last a lifetime.

I’m proud of my sons and I’m proud of the United States Marine Corps.

Happy Birthday, Marines! Have a great ball, celebrate, and yes, stand a little taller and be a little arrogant. You deserve it!


Marine Corps TraditionsMarine Corps TraditionsSemper Fi (The Corps series Book 1)Semper Fi (The Corps series Book 1)