Happy Birthday US Marine Corps:
(USA) Marine Corps Hymn
The official hymn of the United States Marine Corps was written in the 19th century by an unknown author, the music borrowed from Jacques Offenbach's opera "Genevieve de Brabant". Officially adopted in 1919, it is the oldest one among the official hymns of the five armed services of the USA (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard).
Marines' Hymn
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom,
And to keep our honor clean,
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marines.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes,
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
youtube.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday, Marines
by Ted Nugent, 11/10/2008
From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, all across America and in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever America is being defended, the world’s most exclusive gun club is celebrating its 233 birthday today.
Born in a roughneck Philadelphia bar in 1775 on a dare to surpass standard warrior excellence, the United States Marines Corps has distinguished itself over its history as the finest military force the world has ever seen. Do not point the US Marines Corps at anything you do not wish to conquer. They are the pointy end of America’s spear.
The Devil Dogs are always the first to the fight. Looking at their battle flags fluttering in the breeze reminds of their bravery and warrior ethos. Battle streamers honoring their bravery in battles such as Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Chosin Reservoir remind us of just a few of the famous battles they have fought and won.
Having spent time with Devil Dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan while on a USO Tour, it was abundantly clear that these men and women are the most determined, courteous and courageous people I have ever had the privilege of sharing time with. To the person, they all expressed their gratitude for being on the frontlines of the war on terror with their fellow Marines. It truly humbled me to see that level of camaraderie and Blood Brotherhood dedication.
They not only fight for America, but for each other. This is the definition of 'espirit de corps".
I have visited with wounded Marines in hospitals. Regardless of the severity of their wounds, pain and suffering, they all expressed to me their utmost desire to return to the battlefield with their buddies to see the war won. This is the kind of sacrifice that leaves a lump in man’s throat. As I listened to them I couldn’t help but be so very thankful that America produces these young men and women of such character and determination.
When we get older, it’s natural to think about whether we’ve actually done something worthwhile. This is not the case for the leatherneck men and women of the mighty US Marine Corps. President Reagan said it best: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.”
I suspect if the Marines know one thing, it is that freedom is not free. There is a toll to be exacted and it is their blood, sweat, sacrifice and lives. As I type these vary words, there are leathernecks pushing ahead and killing Al Qaeda and Taliban voodoo monsters.
These leathernecks come from a long lineage of warriors who don’t know the meaning of quit. My hero, Colonel Lewis “Chesty” Puller summed it best when he said during the Korean War, “We're surrounded? Good, now we can kill the bastards in any direction."
Clearly, there is no finer friend, no worse enemy than the Marines. This was exemplified by Marine General James Mattis when he told Iraqi leaders, "I come in peace. I didn't bring artillery. But I'm pleading with you, with tears in my eyes: If you "mess" with me, I'll kill you all." My kind of man.
The US Marines are warriors. They are the few and the proud. Americans are the many and the blessed. So long as the Marines are with us the flame of freedom and liberty will burn brightly.
May God bless the United States Marines Corps. Happy 233rd birthday, Devil Dogs. Semper Fi. Godspeed my Blood Brothers. Carry on.
Rock legend Ted Nugent is noted for his conservative political views and his vocal pro-hunting and Second Amendment activism. His smash bestseller Ted, White & Blue: The Nugent Manifesto, is now available at www.amazon.com. Nugent also maintains the Official Ted Nugent Site at www.TedNugent.com. |
