“Gotta love dem Marines.” Or at least our wives do!
I have spent my entire adult life in the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of anyone who threatens it!
This year I would like to share some of the aspects of the Marine Corps that have added to my quality of life and to some of the successes I have experienced over time.
There is little question about the value of discipline in ones life. Professionally, socially and spiritually, the accrued benefits of the rigorous training of the Marine Corps become an annuity that can be drawn from in times of stress and chaos. Little in civilian life can ever compare to the experience of war and the equanimity needed to negotiate your own internal fears and perform at a high level. I am convinced that the balance of mind and spirit contributed to rewarding career in commercial property management and to the attributes of being a good husband and father.
The most penetrating and lasting benefit of being a Marine has been the sustenance that comes from the unending fellowship and camaraderie of fellow Marines. It is a love that surpasses all understanding and has the secondary benefit of an increased sense of spirituality in daily living. As paradoxical as it may seem, the Marine Corps actually makes one a better lover in the broadest sense of the word. The espirit de corps that is so often referenced is in turn a form of Agagpe, the sort of which promotes peace and understanding.
Marine training has no false sympathy or feigned understanding. When given a job.. you do not leave the post until it is done. I was told by my bosses that this is the reason I was hired over other applicants.
The emphasis placed on values is also something that has a very long half life. Current day Marines carry value cards that they are issued and they sign. The front has the standard Honor, Courage and Committment and the back the states that Marines lead by example, respect themselves foremost, place faith and honor above all else and give allegiance to God,Country, Corps and Family. How can you go wrong with that value system in your pocket?
Many of us old and new breed lead our lives today with the same traditions that we were taught in boot camp. I am a man in full as a result.
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they make a difference in the world. But the Marines don’t have that problem.” Ronald Reagan 1985
“There are only two kinds of people who understand Marines, Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.”
General Thornson, U.S Army
” The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the Marine Coprs.” Eleanor Roosevelt 1945
“America doesn’t need a Marine Corps, America wants a Marine Corps.” General Krulak
Happy Birthday Jarheads!!
Not to pick a fight here, but in regards to the value cards, are you saying that U.S. Marines are “required” to carry a card that says good Marines must “give allegiance to God?” Isn’t that the “establishment” of a religion that the First Amendment proscribes?
God is not a religion. I think she is a Master Gunnery Sgt.
Sgt. Majors are the only ones qualified for God status.
Upon further reflection, I am reminded of the fact that many the founders and authors of the Constitution were Deists and not members of an organized religion.
I served with some who believed in god, some whom did not, I don’t think it mattered to much to me during my time in the US Marines whether one believed in god or not, my religious feelings came later, when one is young, thinks they are immortal, cannot die or in heat of a battle whether that marine next to him is fighting and going forward and not abandoning/running away is what one was thinking of at that moment when bullets fly, explosions all around!:-) I do recall many dying, calling out for their mothers, god so god is there sometimes at a moment one might not expect!
It’s made very clear in boot camp that God has a diminished role in the duties of a Marine.
Right on, Happy Birthday Marine, Happy Birthday to all Marines former and present……Semper Fi
It was my honor to see the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon at 8th and Eye in Washington. Their precision is breath-taking! Happy 236th Birthday, Marines.
See the Platoon in action at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y90UPLLo6nY