Why we are celebrating? What we are celebrating? Marines, November 10th, 2013 marks 238 years the Marine Corps has been alive. As you know, each year at this time we get together to celebrate our birthday. General Hartsell and myself wanted to take a moment to share with yourselves the significance of this day. As we proudly wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor we are each a part of the legacy of our Corps'. You are part of the Marine family. You share the tradition, and you've given of yourself as you volunteer to serve during one of our nation's most challenging times. You stand for our nation's flag and our anthem. By your service, you've shown others what honor looks like. As we look forward to celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday, let's remember what's important. Why we are celebrating? What we are celebrating? Each of us who have had the honor of serving this great nation as a United States Marine for two or more Marine Corps Birthdays have memories that stand out. Out of 29 years of Marine Corps' Birthdays, my most memorable one occurred on November 10th, 2004 while serving overseas. This was a Birthday I will never forget. The meal was an MRE. There wasn't any music or cake. There wasn't a ceremony, cocktail hour, photo shoot or nice hotel. There weren't any guests wearing fancy ball gowns or shiny medals. There weren't any place settings or buffets. The ballroom was a war torn city named Fallujah where death was around every corner and inside every doorway. There were only dirty, sweaty, tired, combat weary Marines, in the middle of the heaviest urban fighting since Hue City. But on that day, at that moment, regardless of what was going on around us, we all stopped to shake hands and say, "Happy Birthday, Marines." I remember someone was
humming the Marine Corps Hymn and then following that was a Happy Birthday announcement over the radio. I'll never forget this time, as it wasn't about the glamour or the music or the ballroom, it was simply about the Camaraderie. Marines under the worst of conditions and in the most challenging of times, being with fellow Marines, family being with family. The Marines I served with on that day were some of the finest Americans I have ever known. They are the reason it was memorable. It makes no difference where we celebrate our birthday. Whether it is in a grand ballroom with a close companion by our side or a dark muddy fighting hole in some third world dirt hole with a match stuck in an MRE pound cake. The sentiment is always the same. The next time you are at a Marine Corps Ball, look around and shake the Marines hand to your left and to your right; then thank one another for their service and sacrifice. Drink a round for each other, share stories and tell tales of adventures. Enjoy the Camaraderie and the time with one another. Remember why we are all there. We, Marines, make the Ball a success, not the setting. Marines and Sailors are what makes this Division what it is. Marines and Sailors such as LtCol Mason, LtCol McClintock, MGySgt Lehman, 1stSgt Cayson, Sergeant Dugan, Sergeant Gauthier, Corporal Gomez, Corporal Rios, HM2 Jenkins, HM2 Corley, LCpl Tellez, LCpl Zimmerman, LCpl Aremo, HN Land, Private Jimenez, and thousands others. As each of you attend your respective Marine Ball, stop and remember the true meaning and significance behind what you're celebrating. Enjoy the camaraderie and relish it while you have it. Remember the past and those who are no longer with us. Look forward to the future. Remember what each of you stand for and who you represent. Have fun, be safe, and thank you for your selfless service.
From General Hartsell and myself, Happy Birthday Marines! S/F Brad A Kasal Sergeant Major Fourth Marine Division