November 10th Marine Corps Birthday....1775

[bmdad]

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 Marine.

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.
Marine Corps Hymn

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.  

Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Untitled

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
>
> I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
>
> My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
>
> My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
>
> Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
>
> Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
>
> The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
>
> Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
>
> My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
>
> Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
>
> In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
>
> So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
>
> The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
>
> But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
>
> Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
>
> sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
>
> My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
>
> And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
>
> Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
>
> A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
>
>
>
> A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
>
> Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
>
> Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
>
> Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
>
> "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
>
> "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
>
> Put down your pack , brush the snow from your sleeve,
>
> You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
>
> For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
>
> Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
>
> To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
>
> Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
>
> I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
>
> "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
>
> That separates you from the darkest of times.
>
> No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
>
> I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
>
> My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
>
> Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always
>remembers."
>
> My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
>
> And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
>
> I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
>
> But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smle.
>
> Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag
>
> The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
>
> I can live through the cold and the being alone,
>
> Away from my family, my house and my home.
>
> I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
>
> I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
>
> I can carry the weight of killing another,
>
> Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
>
> Who stand at the front against any and all,
>
> To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
>
> "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
>
> Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
>
> "But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
>
> "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
>
> It seems all too little for all that you've done,
>
> For being away from your wife and your son."
>
> Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
>
> "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
>
> To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
>
> To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
>
> For when we come home, either standing or dead,
>
> To know you remember we fought and we bled.
>
> Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
>
> That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

[toddfromnj747]

Semper Fi, Devildogs!!!

[narla]

Happy Birthday   US Marine Corps

Keeping world peace and freedom,risking their lives everyday

We Thank You

Denise

[dominosarah]

Thank you for all those who have served and are serving now.  May the Lord bless them and keep them safe~~~~~sara

Happy Birthday!!

[IBKleen]

This is beautiful Brian and I thank you for it. My love and my prayers go out to all the men & woman who fight for our freedom.

[beatingthis]

I salute to all that serve and can't give thanks enough. To the famlies and for our freedom I give thanks, prayers, and will always be in awe of those who fight for our freedom.
Happy Birthday Marine corps and thank you.....

T