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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]

Facts About Iwo Jima, One of the Most Famous Battles of World War II

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Ever since my sons became Marines I have been interested in my family’s military history and wonder where my Dad would of been on significant dates like Iwo Jima. February 19, 1945 the landing at Iwo Jima and he was assigned to the Destroyer the USS Edison DD439. I can’t find record of where exactly on this date his ship was, but I do know my Dad was only twenty years old.

According to records I found on Ancestry.com, my father was AOL (absent over liberty) more than once. Once in July of 1945 after liberty in San Diego. I can’t even imagine being twenty years old and loading guns on the deck of a destroyer, seeing men die on your ship, rescuing prisoners from an enemy sub off of Italy and keeping your sanity. Maybe that’s why he took extra time when he was on liberty leave, he didn’t want to go back.

My Dad rarely talked about World War II, and most of the men who fought on that hell hole of an island, filled with Japanese hiding in caves and tunnels, didn’t want to talk about it either. Many young men just like my Dad landed on February 19, 1945, many didn’t return, many saw things they would rather forget, but carried with them all their lives.

Books and Movies About Iwo Jima

By far the best book on Iwo Jima is James Bradleys, Flags of our Fathers is on the USMC Commandants reading list for Iintermeidiate level enlisted personal: INTERMEDIATE  GYSGT, MSGT, and 1STSGT. I think its a book everyone should read to appreciate what the sacrifices our military makes not only during war, but when they return.

Flags of Our FathersIwo Jima: 50 Years of Memories

Facts about Iwo Jima

Dozens, if not hundreds of books and movies have been written about this famous battle that turned history, but below are just a few facts.

  1. The island of Iwo Jima is 4.5 miles long by 2.5 miles wide and lies 650 miles south of mainland Toykyo.23
  2. The island was a strategic airfield position for the Japanese who intercepted US flying missions to Tokyo. Once taken the United States could then invade Japan and thus end the war.² ³
  3. The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for 36 days starting on February 19th and ending on March 16, 1945.
  4. One third of all Medal of Honor award for World War II were given for gallant action in Iwo JIm, a total of 23 out of 82 given to Marines during the war.¹
  5. Iwo Jima was the costliest battle in the history of the Marine Corps, One in ten Marines lost their lives on the tiny island. 70,000 Marines fought on the island and 7,000 lost their lives ³
  6. Out of the 21,000 Japanese troops only 1,083 survived, the remainder were either killed or committed suicide.²
  7. Two Japanese soldiers didn’t surrender until 1949, they dug into tunnels and caves to avoid detection for over four years.¹
  8. Major General Howard Connor gives the Navajo code talkers, who relayed messages in their tribal tongue, for the success of the Marines taking Iwo Jima.¹
  9. Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island at 528 ft in elevation
  10. Mt Suribachi was taken on February 23rd on the third day of fighting and is the site of the the famous flag raising.
  11. After the battle the island served as an emergency landing strip for more than 2,00 B-29 bombers thus saving more than 24,000 airman.¹
  12. The United States returned the island to Japan as a gift in 1968.¹

Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial Card

The question is often asked and disputed by many, was the iconic flag raising staged. The answer quite simply is no. Yes there were two flag raisings, the first was a smaller flag which was celebrated and cheered. However the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal wanted the flag as a souvenir and thought the official flag should be larger.

Joe Rosenthal, an AP reporter, missed the first flag raising as he was shooting photographs of the harbor. He actually didn’t see the photo before it was sent in and published in the papers. When he was told it was all over the front pages he asked “Which one, the posed one?” for he had also taken another photo with the same flag with all the men standing and raising their arms.

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

I was lucky enough to view the actual flag in the Rosenthal photograph at the Marine Corps museum in Virginia with my youngest Marine son.If you ever have the chance to visit the museum it is very much worth your time.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Iwo Jima area, and the most popular person is Frank Matthews (24th Marines, 4th Marine Division – Iwo Jima) a volunteer docent at the museum who was 18 years old when he fought on that island in the middle of the Pacific. Frank was not at the museum when we visited that weekend and I wish he was, I would of loved to meet him and shook his hand.

On this 70th anniversary of Iwo Jima let’s remind people that is was the military who deserves the recognition for keeping our country free and safe. World War II was the first time American soil was attacked at Pearl Harbor and if it hadn’t been for our brave men and women in uniform fighting in foxholes, ditches, and in muck and grime American history would have been a lot different.

To all the veterans the world owes you a lot of thanks.

References

  1. The Battle of Iwo Jima: 5 Things You Didn’t Know, Ross Bonander
  2. The Battle for Iwo Jima, The National WWII Museum
  3. Was the Flag Raising at Iwo Jima Staged, Skeptical Humanities blog

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.

 

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)