MCL Department of New York

10 NOVEMBER 2020

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

            If there were a watchword for 2020, the shortlist would certainly include ‘change,’ ‘uncertainty,’ and ‘adaptation.’ This new dynamic and uncertain environment has impacted how we recruit and train Marines, deploy aboard ship, and even how we honor our Corps’ hallowed traditions. But adapting to change and uncertainty is nothing new for Marines. It is what we have done for 245 years and what is expected of us as the Nation’s force-in- readiness. Where others see challenges, Marines see opportunities. We don’t take a knee. We will always be ready to answer the nation’s call, no matter the crisis.

            In a world of seemingly relentless change and uncertainty, some things remain constant–our core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values are at the very heart of our ability to be, “most ready when the Nation is least ready.” It’s honor that gives us an uncompromising sense of personal integrity and accountability; courage that allows us to face any circumstance with an ironclad resolve to do what’s right; and commitment that binds us together as a family and drives us toward excellence. And while our core values might never change, the way we give life to them requires constant vigilance. This year’s national conversations about race remind us that we must all do better to embody our service’s values.

            Commemorating the 245th birthday of our Corps offers us a chance to reflect on our history. We who serve today stand upon the shoulders of giants. While this year’s many challenges are significant and unique, they are not unprecedented, and it is important to remember that our Nation and Corps have endured difficult times in our past. This year, for example, marks the 75th anniversary of brutal battles in the Pacific; when soldiers of the sea defined the term “uncommon valor” on the black sands of Iwo Jima; the 70th anniversary of bitter fighting at Inchon and Chosin Reservoir; 55 years since Marines landed at Da Nang; and a decade since our struggle with the Taliban in the Helmand River Valley. We remember the service and sacrifice of all Marines, and honor the legacy passed down through generations. Our continuing obligation is to honor their legacy by making meaningful contributions to what they started.

             From the past, we draw strength, pride, and a responsibility to carry on the warfighting heritage our predecessors built. We must also recognize our tradition of continuous adaptation–one that should inspire our current force modernization and innovation efforts. As has been the case in the past, today’s threats require us to fight as a cohesive team, and our ability to succeed will depend on the Honor, Courage, and Commitment of each individual Marine. From recruiting individuals of great intelligence, strength, spirit, and diversity, to evolving how we train, educate, and mentor Marines throughout their careers, we remain dedicated to developing the world’s finest warfighters, guided by our core values.

             In a year of significant change and uncertainty, I am reminded of the words of American novelist, John Dos Passos, “In times of change and danger when there is a quicksand of fear under men’s reasoning, a sense of continuity with generations gone before can stretch like a lifeline across the scary present…” Never forget, what you do today becomes the foundation for the generations of Marines that will follow. There is no challenge we cannot overcome, together, by holding fast to our core values. Happy 245th Birthday Marines.

Semper Fidelis,

General John A. Lejeune's Birthday Message

            "On November 1st, 1921, John A.  Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, directed that a reminder of the honorable service of the Corps be published by every command, to all Marines throughout the globe, on the birthday of the Corps.  Since that day, Marines have continued to distinguish themselves on many battlefields and foreign shores, in war and peace.  On this birthday of the Corps, therefore, in compliance with the will of the 13th

Commandant, Article 38, United States Marine Corps Manual, Edition of 1921, is republished as follows:

            "'(I) On 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.

            "  '(2) The record  of our corps is one which will bear comparison with  that of the most famous military organizations in the world's  history.  During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation’s foes.  From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home generation after generation of marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres, and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.                                                                                                 ·

            "  '(3) In every battle  and skirmish  since the birth of our corps  marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning  new honors  on each occasion until the term marine  has come to signify all that is highest  in military  efficiency and soldierly virtue.

            "  '(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly  repute we who are Marines  to-day  have received  from those who preceded  us in the corps.  With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the marines in every age.  So long as that spirit continues to flourish marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the corps.':

            "The inspiring message of our 13th Commandant has left its mark in the hearts and minds of all Marines.  By deed and act from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, from Inchon to the Korean Armistice, in interventions from Lebanon to the Dominican Republic, and from the opening battles in Vietnam to the Mayaguez rescue, Marines have continued to epitomize those qualities which are their legacy.  The success which they have achieved in combat and the faith they have borne in peace will continue.  The Commandant and our many friends have added their hearty praise and congratulations on this, our_ birthday."  (Underscoring supplied.)