GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- November 10th, 2020, marks the 245th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
On this day, we celebrate our institutional birth. We remember the heavy price paid by Marines that came before us. We celebrate our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Marine Corps history is replete with inspiring stories about Marines celebrating the birthday in any clime and place, and under the most challenging circumstances. This year is no different.
While health protection measures will certainly alter the manner in which we celebrate, the most time-honored traditions will remain unchanged. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Black, remembers Nov. 10th, 2005, when he was a 1st Sgt engaged in combat operations in Iraq. He recalls patrolling the streets of Husaybah, Iraq, and visiting each of his platoon’s defensive positions, where his Marines held small formations, cut an Meals Ready-to-Eat pound cake, presented a piece to the oldest and youngest Marine, and read General Lejeune’s Birthday message.
That same day, approximately 300 meters south of Husaybah, then-Lieutenant AJ Derryberry, and his light armored reconnaissance platoon were screening in support of the two battalions clearing through Husaybah. Seeking cover behind his LAV-25, Lt. Derryberry gathered his Marines into a small formation, cut a cake, presented a piece to the oldest and youngest Marine, and read General Lejeune’s Birthday Message. Similar celebrations played out in every corner of the world that day, just as they always had, with a meaning deeper than words.
The Marine Corps Detachment at Goodfellow Air Force Base will do likewise. MARDET Marines will hold a socially distanced formation, conduct a cake-cutting, recognize the oldest and youngest Marine, and read General Lejeune’s Birthday Message. We will celebrate the values we hold most dear; the honor, courage, and commitment that has earned our nation’s trust; a level of trust built through faithfulness and sacrifice over the last 245 years. We will remind our fellow Marines that we must maintain our faithfulness to our Corps, to our country, and to one another.
As articulated by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David Berger, we must never compromise our faithfulness, “We must respect each other, believe in each other, and trust each other.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES AND SEMPER FIDELIS!