About the MARINES
I just got this in my E-mail and had to share it.
I found it very well written and it touched me when I read it.
Happy Reading.... again this was witting by someone else and NOT me...
just passing it along to some of you that may have similar questions and answers.
This could also be written for each and every branch of the Armed Forces.
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You know... I am often asked. Why did you go into the Marines?
I have found it is not why I went into the Marines...
but why I am proud to be a Marine.
I have something that I have had for a while now...
and I will share it with you...
Let's talk about something I like, Marines! Up front, let me tell you how I admire Marines.
Why is that?
Unlike the vast majority of our fellow citizens,
we stepped forward and committed ourselves to a greater cause without concern for our personal safety or comfort.
And we did it knowing that we would gain nothing in return...
except the honor and cherished privilege of earning the title of "MARINE".
Individually, we are as different as apples and oranges, but we are linked for eternity by the title "MARINE"...
and the fact that we are part of the finest fighting force that has ever existed in history.
I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine!
With Marines, there is no middle ground or gray area.
There are only missions, objectives and facts.
I like the fact that if you are a self-declared enemy of America,
that running into a Marine outfit in combat is your worst nightmare...
and that your health record is 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 if you agree with them or not;
That Marines hold the term "politically correct" with nothing but pure disdain;
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 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, Tun Tavern,
and that Marines still gather in pubs, bars and slop chutes to share sea stories and 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 time of peace.
I like the fact that Marines know the difference between
"Chicken Salad" and "Chicken Shit"
and aren't afraid to call either for what it is!
I like the fact that the people of America hold Marines in the highest esteem
and that they know that they can count on us to locate,
close with and destroy those who would harm them!
I like the fact that people think we are cocky...
yet we know that we have confidence in everything we do and the fact that they 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 that the protected will never know!
I like the fact that Ronald Regan said...
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they 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 we have the one another's "six"!
I like the fact that a couple of years ago an elected member of congress felt
compelled to publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being
"Radical and Extreme".
I like the fact that our Commandant informed that member of Congress
that was absolutely correct and that he passed only his thanks 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, national origin or how
long they served or what goals they achieve in life!
I like Marines...
and I love the fact that I am able to be humbled to walk along the ranks of other Marines!
