Marines celebrate 230 years of history

Courtesy Photo | The senior Marine present for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony for the Marines 230th birthday was Col. Edward Smith, Marine Forces Command Central Kuwait, accompanied by guest of honor, Maj. Gen. James Kelly, Third U.S. Army deputy commanding general.  

ARJIFAN, KUWAIT

11.15.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Michael R. Noggle
CFLCC PAO/11th PAD

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait- "November 10, 1775, a corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."

General John A. Lejune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Once a Marine always a Marine, as present and former Marines on Camp Arifjan gathered to celebrate the Marine Corps 230th birthday Nov. 10.

The senior Marine present for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony was Col. Edward Smith, Marine Forces Command Central Kuwait, accompanied by guest of honor, Maj. Gen. James Kelly, Third U.S. Army deputy commanding general.

The cake was cut with the Ka-Bar, the Marine Corps fighting knife, to signify a band of warriors committed to carrying arms so that the nation may live in peace.

As part of the honored tradition, the youngest and eldest Marine from the camp, Lance Cpl. Venancio Rodriquez and Lt. Col. Martin W. Holdeman, were acknowledged in front of their fellow Marines.

"I didn't expect an event like this at Arifjan," Rodriquez said. "It was something nice to have and give recognition to the Marine birthday."

"These are things Marines don't forget," said Dewayne Coleman, a Marine veteran since 1992. "I have only missed one birthday ceremony since I left the corps."

Coleman was one of a handful of civilians who once spent time in the corps.
"Once you're a Marine, you're a Marine for life," he said. "You always know that you're part of the family."

In a letter addressing to all Marines on their birthday, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, had this to say:

"This past year has been one of the most continuous combat operations overseas and distinguished service here at home, a year of challenges that have brought out the very best in our corps. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Marine courage and mastery of complex and chaotic environments have truly made a difference in the lives of millions."

"Marine compassion and flexibility provided humanitarian assistance to thousands in the wake of the Southwest East Asian Tsunami â?¦ and saved hundreds of our own fellow Americans in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita."

In closing Hagee wrote, "In commemorating our anniversary, let us strengthen our ties to the past by paying homage to those who have gone before us. As we honor the sacrifices of our wounded and fallen comrades, our commitment to one another remains unshakable."

• Date Taken: 11.15.2005
• Date Posted: 11.15.2005 10:58
• Story ID: 3747
• Location: ARJIFAN, KW