Posted by
John Caile on Friday, December 18, 2009 10:21:24 PM
Why I Love the Marines
(anonymous)
I like the fact that if you are a self-declared enemy of America,
running into a Marine outfit in combat is your worst nightmare...and that your
health records are either about to get a lot thicker, or be closed out
entirely.
I like the fact that Marines are steadfast and consistent in everything they
do...regardless of whether you agree with them or not.
I like the fact that Marines view the term 'Politically Correct' with nothing
but pure disdain.
I like the fact that Marines stand tall and rigid in their actions, thoughts,
and deeds when others bend with the direction of the wind and are as confused
as a dog looking at a ceiling fan.
I like the fact that each and every Marine considers the honor and legacy of
The Corps as his personal and sacred trust to protect and defend.
I like the fact that most civilians don't have a clue what makes us tick. And
that's not a bad thing. Because if they did, it would probably scare the Hell
out of them.
I like the fact that others say they want to be like us, but don't have what it
takes in the "Pain-Gain-Pride" department to make it happen.
I like the fact that the Marines came into being in a bar, named Tun Tavern.
And that Marines still gather in pubs, bars and slop chutes to share sea
stories and the "Hot scoop."
I like the fact that Marines do not consider it a coincidence that there are 24
hours in a day and 24 beers in a case...because Marines know there is a reason
for everything that happens.
I like our motto... SEMPER FIDELIS, and the fact that we don't shed it when the
going gets tough, the battlefield gets deadly, or when we hang up our uniform
for the last time.
I like the fact that Marines take care of each other...in combat and in a time
of Peace.
I like the fact that Marines know the difference between 'Chicken Salad' and 'Chicken S--t' and aren't afraid to call either for what it is.
I like the fact that real Americans hold Marines in the highest esteem, because they know that they can count on us to locate, close with, and destroy
those who would do them harm.
I like the fact that people think we are cocky....but the truth is, we simply have
confidence in everything we do, and because most others don't know the
"taste" of that makes them look at us as if we are arrogant.
I like that fact that we know the taste of freedom and would give our very
lives for it. And that it is a taste the protected will never know.
I like the fact that Ronald Reagan said: "Some people spend an entire
lifetime wondering if they've made a difference...Marines don't have that problem."
I like the fact that we are brothers to the end...and that no matter what happens in life, we know that we have one
another's "Six."
I like the fact that when an elected member of congress felt compelled to publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being 'radical and extreme' our Commandant informed that member of congress that she was
absolutely correct...and thanked her for the compliment.
I like the fact that Marine leaders - of every rank - know that issuing every
man and woman a black beret - or polka-dotted boxer shorts for that matter -
does absolutely nothing to promote morale, fighting spirit or combat
effectiveness.
I like the fact that Marines are Marines first, regardless of age, race,
creed, color, sex, or national origin, or how long they served, their former
rank, or whatever else they achieve in life.
I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine. With
Marines, there is no hand-wringing, no middle ground or gray area. There are
only Missions, Objectives and Facts.
I like the fact that General of the Army William Thornson said:
"There are only two kinds of people who understand Marines: Marines...and
the enemy."
I
like that fact that Eleanor Roosevelt, as the First Lady in 1945, said:
"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 United States Marine Corps!"
And I really like the fact that the Marines' unofficial motto is:
"No Better Friend - No Worse Enemy..."
Yes, I love Marines...and I love the fact that I am humbled to
walk among the ranks of other Marines.
In closing...if you aren't a Marine, the next best thing is to
have a Marine for a husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son,
daughter...or friend.
SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER
FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI
(Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever)