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Happy birthday Marines and thank you veterans

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By COL. DONALD MYERS

A Mind of My Own

Published: November 7, 2009

Next week, our country will observe two celebrations, the 234th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov. 10 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.The Marine Corps birthday is the biggest celebration of the year for Marines.

It makes no difference where Marines are stationed, as long as there are a few, the traditions for the birthday will be recognized. The oldest and youngest Marines are recognized, a cake is presented, and messages from the current commandant and one from Gen. John Lejeune are read. The celebrations depend on where the Marines are on how elaborate they become, but the fundamentals remain the same: Remember those who have gone before and rededicate to the future.

When I was attending graduate school at the University of Virginia in 1973, there were about 20 Marines on campus at various stages of programs leading to degrees. We decided to celebrate the birthday in style at a local hotel and give us the opportunity to educate our civilian friends. Many of the professors and their wives were invited as guests.

The uniform was formal with the Marines wearing their dress uniforms and the profs wearing tuxedos. Naturally, all of the ladies wore their best formal gowns. As I passed through the bar area, some of the patrons asked, "What was the occasion?" I told them that we were celebrating the 198th birthday of the Marine Corps and as Marines we always did it up right. One of them looked at me strangely and stated the country was only 197 years old, how could the Marine Corps be older than the country?

Every Marine there had served in combat at least once and had numerous medals on their chests reflecting that fact. I looked at him and responded, "Do you think perhaps there would not have been a country if there had not been a Marine Corps first?" Again, he looked at me rather strangely and said nothing. Of course, George Washington and the Continental Army along with John Paul Jones and the U.S. Navy also had something to do with that. The cake cutting, dinner, speeches, dancing and camaraderie made for a fantastic night and I am sure the professors had not seen much like that before.

I could go on endlessly telling stories about birthday celebrations in many parts of the world throughout the years, but I think most people appreciate why Marines consider themselves among the very best of military organizations. To add to our enjoyment, the day following our birthday celebration is a national holiday celebrating Veterans Day.

The fighting of World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. At that time, the western front became quiet for the first time in years. The killing had finally ended as an entire generation was lost during the fighting. This day was initially called Armistice Day, and in 1938 it was declared a national holiday. In 1954, since we had also fought in World War II and Korea, the name was changed to Veterans Day. Today, it remains a national holiday with parades and other celebrations throughout the country.

There will be a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery with all of the services. If you ever visit Arlington, he would discover the tombstones of those soldiers who died before World War II began were etched "He fought in The World War." One must remember that World War I was the war to end wars and no other wars were to follow. At any rate, Veterans Day is a time to be thankful for the sacrifices and service of our veterans from the past and those who currently serve in our Armed Forces.

Donald J. Myers, a retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a regular columnist for Hernando Today. He lives in Spring Hill and can be contacted at dmyersusmc@aol.com.

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