Happy Birthday, My Brothers . . .

[NickDG 23]

When I think of all the ones before us, the ones now, and the ones to come, it makes me so proud and I'm not afraid to admit I'm crying tears in a bucket right now . . .

But, I as long as I live, I'll never shrink from admitting how much I love my brother Marines. Tomorrow is our 230th birthday. Sure, we've been fucked over by near-do-well politicians from time to time, but that's the way of it, and not a question a young Marine will ever ask.

With permission, I'll tell the following story:

In 1971, I was serving at Camp Pendleton as a Combat Photographer and a few months before he died, General Chesty Puller was in the house. He was royally pissed off as he was requesting assignment to Vietnam, but was turned down as he was just too old.

He's visiting the CGs house, and pretty much bed-ridden at Cam Pen and I took some photos of him which I was made to deliverer. I was a young Lance Corporal then and when I banged on the hatch (Marines don’t knock) only my knees were knocking. A Navy steward opened the door and when I announced I was there to deliver some photos to the General, I heard a voice I'll carry to the grave from the back of the house.

"Is that a Marine?

"Yes sir," the steward said.

"Well, send him in," the General bellowed from his bed, "and let's have a look at him!"

I won’t say what General Puller said to me but I can say he loved me just because I wore the uniform, and in two seconds he made me really understand what the Marine Corps was all about.

Later, when I went overseas, I stood and heard the standard line that's as true today as it ever was:

"Marines die, that's what we are here for, but if the Marine Corps lives forever, you will live forever!"

And so we forever will.

Happy Birthday, my Brothers, . . .

NickD BASE 194
1st Mar Div
1971 -1975

[jceman 1]

I am not a Marine, but I am proud to say my father is.

Even though he left this plane in 1981, he remains one of my heroes.

Happy Birthday.

Semper Fi.

[jumper03 0]

Semper Fi Devil Dog.
And happy 230th to all Marines.

Jump
Proud Parris Island Alum

Scars remind us that the past is real

[downwardspiral 0]

Semper Fidelis

www.FourWheelerHB.com

[airtwardo 7]

Thank you for your selfless service to our country my brother!




"Stay low and don't bunch up!"

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[jumpergirl 0]

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General Chesty Puller was in the house. He was royally pissed off as he was requesting assignment to Vietnam, but was turned down as he was just too old.

My grandfather served with Chesty Puller and was also turned down for assignment to Vietnam because he was about to retire. They drafted and sent my dad instead.

I am so incredibly proud of my dad, grandfather and grandmother who are all Marines. Grandpa retired as a Marine. Grandma and Daddy were both honorably discharged.

Happy Birthday Marines! And thank you for all you have done.

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[JoeBobinNC 0]

OORAH, Happy Birthday Marines!

It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.