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United States Marine Corps

Happy Birthday US Marine Corps

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To all United Marines Marines, past, present and future, have a very Happy Birthday

We owe you a debt for our freedom that can never be repaid, so we remember you on this day and always. So to all the Marines from 1775 to the present day, we thank you for your service to our country.

Happy Birthday Marine Corps, the official birthday of the USMC is November 10, 1775

How Marines Celebrate Their Birthday

Every active duty Marine recognizes the USMC birthday in some way, most have a Marine Corps Ball they attend near the end of October or the beginning of November.

Every Marine Corps base is recognized on November 10th with special guests, cakes and it is a tradition for each Marine to greet each other on this day with a Happy Birthday. No gift is required, just the gift of respect. (according to Maximilian Uriarte at Terminal Lance)

Veterans will have a drink, in where else, a bar or tavern since Tun Tavern is the birthplace of the Corps. I know my oldest son will be raising a glass to toast his Marine brothers somewhere tonight.

Many in the Marine Corps League will gather in bars all over the country and relive the camaraderie that makes the United States Marine Corps unique.

Many of them display an American flag at home along with their USMC EGA.

Marine Corps Birthday Challenge Coins

Challenge coins are a tradition in the Marine Corps. Often senior officers have a certain number of coins to award during a Marine Ball and they will press it into the palm of the hand. I know one of my sons has received a coin in this manner

Challenge coins recognize boot camp companies, tours of duty, and even Marine Moms. Below are just a few Marine Corps challenge coins

Since I am a Marine Mother I have begun an annual tradition of writing an official letter to the Marine Corps. I don’t think anyone of any importance reads them, but it’s my way of summarizing the year and my current sentiment.

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.
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.
2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
2016 Marine Mom letter on the USMC Birthd

To all Marines have a very Happy Birthday!!

 USMC Birthday Traditions & Celebrations

Learn more about the Marine Corps, Marine Corps traditions and history in these military books. History does repeat itself and the United States Marines will always serve at the ready to protect our country and our world.

A Marine Mom’s Real Fear

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Camp Bastion Attack

On Friday September 15, 2012  two Marines were killed at Camp Bastion in Southern Afghanistan by what is claimed to be a Taliban attack.  This was just just a few days after the September 11, attack on Bengazi. This series of events sent a chill through my spine. My oldest Marine son had just returned from Leatherneck/Bastion in August (OEF 12.1) and I was thankful to have him home during his post deployment leave.

He was assigned to MALS 16, or Marine Aviation Logistics and spent his time between the hangers, the flight line, and the warehouse. He worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week on night crew, during the same time the attacks occurred. He always assured me he was safe, there hadn’t been IDF (indirect fire) the whole time while he was there. He was inside the wire with nothing to worry about.

This created a false security with Mom back in Nebraska. I had the attitude that he was just as safe on this base as he was in Yuma. (Which in a way is a good way to view a deployment) Marines are told “Don’t give information that would cause your family back home to worry”

Marine in Afghanistan

How wrong I was. He could have been in the Harrier hanger when it was bombed, it was his replacements who got injured.  Thoughts run through my mind now of how I would be feeling had my son still been deployed and working in the shop on night shift. Could I even sleep until I knew he was safe? I’m sure I would be calling his FRO (Family Readiness Officer) for the latest news. But he’s stateside now, I got to hug him and tell him I love him. He’s safe and I thank God for bringing him home.

During his leave he showed me his deployment photos and where slept in the barracks  “next to the wire”. I’ve heard the phrases “outside the wire”, “inside the wire”, and there is a big distinction between the two. For those Marines who never get “outside the wire” moving “next to the wire” may be a subtle difference, but it’s a big deal. The small huts I saw in the photos were the same ones described in news accounts that may of aided in the attack. (don’t have permission to post those, for OPSEC can only publish non distinct photos without landmarks)

He said it was kinda crazy being able to see the wire and know just beyond, within eyesight, was clear and present danger.

AEF 12.1 Camp Bastion, Afghanistan
AEF 12.1 Camp Bastion, Afghanistan

Many Marines were disarmed previously in the year, and unarmed, although my son told me his unit always carried their weapons with clips. (see above) It has been over two years since the Benghazi and Bastion attacks of 2012 and my son is still outraged over what happened and the coverup. Families are still trying to get answers over a year later on how this happened. A year later four Marines from my son’s base in Yuma Arizona received the Purple Hearts they deserved.

I pray for the all Marines and troops in harms way and for their families at home worrying about them. Although I am furious at the indifference the media seems to have on the incredible increase of attacks and violence against Americans and our allies in the Middle East and Muslim countries.

The attack on Bengazi, the lack of media attention and outrage baffles me. I remember the Beruit embassy attack and it was plastered all over TV and as a country we were outraged. The initial report of the Ambassador and three other Americans seem to be a diluted way of not recognizing that two Navy Seals were killed.

President Obama was quick to point out their responsibility in killing Osama Bin Laden, but does not give them the credence and recognition when they are killed in the line of duty.

So many emotions run through the mind of a Marine Mom, I can’t help but think of my son and the Marines of Yuma Arizona when I hear Camp Bastion, Camp Leatherneck, or even Benghazi. It makes me furious when politicians minimize the cost, risks, or try and hide the truth. What Difference Does it Make? A lot. Just ask the families and follow #whatdifferencedoesitmake on Twitter to learn more.

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Bring on the Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry

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Bring on the Marines

As a Mom of two Marines, I was appalled at President Obama’s lack of knowledge, understanding and his utter contempt for our military during the 2012 third presidential debate. His condescending attitude and rude responses was not at all presidential and did little to bring honor to the presidency, or our country.

I totally agree with the other Marine Mom @SpunkyBraun who recently posted what could be the “Tweet of the Year”

Dear Mr. Obama, Amb. Stevens would have loved a horse or a bayonette or a 
Marine with either one. Sincerely, mom of 2/Marines #debate

Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry
Buy this T-Shirt on CafePress

So, in honor of @SpunkyBraun and all Marine Moms who are proud of their sons and daughters I created this T-Shirt design as a reminder there Americans who support our military.

This design was found in my CafePress Military and Marine store, but for some reason they took it down. I spent a lot of time on it and was pretty proud of how it turned out. Click on the images to take you to my store for other designs.

Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry
Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry

FACT: There are more bayonets used now than in 1917.

FACT: The military still utilizes the Cavalry, although the last time the Cavalry invaded was in 2001 to invade Afghanistan.

FACT:  Bayonets are standard issue in the Marine Corps

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Proud Mom of Two Marines, and Counting

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I’m the Mom of two Marines, strike that, THREE Marines.  I have the “Proud Parent of a Marine” sticker on my back window. However, I want to tell the world that I’m the Mom of TWO Marines.

In 2010 I couldn’t find Marine gear on the “official” sites. So I created my own.Mom of Two Marines Pinback Buttons

I understand trademark control. The Marine Corps wants, and needs, to control their image and how their logos are used. CafePress  there are guidelines for developing branded USMC products including which images you can use, which images can not be manipulated, where the text can be located etc.
If you have an idea for Marine gear that you haven’t been able to find let me know and let’s see what I can come up with for you. I’m envisioning a shirts, line of buttons, bumper stickers, cards, mugs, canvas bags, key chains and even iPhone covers. I’m so excited about this I often stay up until the wee hours of the morning designing.
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US Marine Corp Graduation

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A year ago this month my youngest son left for  Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and started 13 weeks of the most challenging accomplishments anyone can face. Becoming and earning the right to be come a U.S. Marine.  At the

Across the parade deck hundreds of new Marines march in their platoons as the last maneuver they will complete before leaving MCRD full fledged Marines. The Marine Band plays to open the ceremony, the chaplain leads every one in prayer and then the parade of dress blues begin. This is my second Marine graduation, my oldest is also a Marine,  but  the tears of pride still flow just as fast and my hands shake as I hold the camera.

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

Marine Corp Champlain leading off the graduation
Marine Corp Chaplain leading off the graduation

MCRD, India Company, Platoon 3213, October 7, 2011
MCRD, India Company, Platoon 3213, October 7, 2011 (son 6th from right)

My New US Marine
My New US Marine, November 2011

Since graduation my new Marine has attended MCT (Marine Combat Training) in Pendleton CA, Corrections training in San Antonio TX, and is now back at Pendleton as his permanent duty station. Congratulations to my newest U.S. Marine, he makes me proud.

I found this draft sitting in my WordPress folder.In evaluating my stats in WordPress my US Marine Corps postings represent 20% of views. Very popular topic, but considering every parent of a new Marine searches the internet for every scrap of information they can find to learn more about the journey ahead, I can understand.

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