General Lejeune's Birthday Message
On November 1st. 1921, John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant
of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the Corps be
published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the Birthday
of the Corps. Since the day, Marines have continued to distinguish
themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace.
On this Birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will
of the 13th Commandant, Article 38 United States Marine Corps Manual,
Edition of 1921, is published as follows:
"On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of
the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men have borne
that name Marine. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines
should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories
of its long and illustrious history.
The record of our Corps is one which bear comparison with that
of the most famous military organizations in the world's history.
During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has
been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of
Trenton to the Argome, Marines have won foremost honors in war
and in the long era of tranquility at home generation after generation
of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres, and in every
corner of the seven seas so that our country and its citizens might
enjoy peace and security.
In every battle and skirmish since the Birth of the Corps, Marines
have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning
new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to
signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly
virtue.
This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are
Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the
Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit
which has animated our Corps from generation and has long been
the distinguishing mark of Marines in every age. So long as that
spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every
emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the me
of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line
of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea"
since the founding of the Corps."
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