Once again, dear readers, it is 10 November and the US Service branch known for raucously touting the pure awesomeness of its own existence, while consuming the contents of in reach Crayola packages and alcohol around the world, is set to do so again.
Because why wouldn’t we? We’re awesome like that.
The Marines, actively serving and veteran alike, have a unique bond with the Corps and a pride of belonging that is truly in a league of its own. Even Marines who describe the horrible, stupid, boring, ridiculous, or otherwise less than stellar experiences in the Corps will join the rest of us in going absolutely ape shit over the Marine Corps Birthday.
Why?
Because we are Marines.
It is that simple. It doesn’t matter that we had a terrible NCO that one time, especially if we had stellar non-comms in others. It doesn’t matter that 29 Palms, or Okinawa, or [just about anywhere else] sucked as a duty station or school. We were in that together and made the most of it. A negative event or experience doesn’t overshadow the sense of pride in identity, and I don’t think people realize just how astoundingly powerful that is.
It doesn’t matter what path your Marine Corps career took, whether it was 4 years or 24, it was your path as a Marine and it will always be a part of you. It doesn’t matter where the Corps sent you, what mission you got called for, you went and carried the Corps legacy in that place.
For those who aren’t Marines, you don’t get it. FMF Corpsman have a clue. Other veterans of the other branches have varying degrees of an idea.
But only Marines know. Only Marines get it.
Only United States Marines understand what it is to be a Marine, and to be with the whole of the Corps, past and present, celebrating our birthday.
Semper Fi, you delightful bunch of degenerates. Stay safe.
