Semper Fi 2017

Today is sort of a double celebration. In order to have a three day Veteran's Day weekend some businesses and schools are celebrating today. My son, Ethan's, school had a special program to honor veterans this morning. Congratulations and thanks to all who have served. My dad was in the Coast Guard, my brother Steve was in the Air Force, and I served in the Navy. But prior to that I was a Marine.

And that's the other celebration that we won't forget today. On November 10, 1775 the Continental Congress established the United States Marine Corps. Originally intended to be sharpshooters in the rigging on warships, the role of the Corps expanded until we became involved in every aspect of every major conflict the United States has ever been involved in. Lieutenant Pressley O'Bannon led a squadron of Marines on the Shores of Tripoli and defeated the Barbary Pirates in 1805. Marines stormed the gates of Mexico City at Chapultepec, the Halls of Montezuma, in 1848.

The first Marine Medal of Honor winner was John Mackey during the Civil War. The fighting Leathernecks became "Teufelhunds," Devil Dogs, following Sergeant Dan Dailey into the Belleau Woods where Daily survived to win two Medal of Honors in World War I. The Marines became amphibious warriors in World War 2 taking Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, and dozens more before climbing Mt. Suribachi and raising the flag at Iwo Jima in February 1945. Abandoned and surrounded at the Chozin River in Korea the Marines fought their way out. When asked if they were retreating, General Oliver P. Smith replied, "Retreat hell. We're advancing in another direction." The Marines advanced to Vietnam where in epic battles they held on to Khe Sanh and rescued Hue City. The Marines have served in every climb and place including the Middle East and have an untarnished record of duty, honor, country.

Many thanks to the Marines I have known, Al Goosman, Bob Epperson, John Mitchell, Audrey Hairgrove, my very good friends who became missionaries, Greg Kent and Dave Simpson, to Clebe McClary who gave an arm and an eye in Vietnam, to those I went through OCS with including John Pechiney and Boyd Campbell, my best friend through flight school, Dennis Gately, those I served with including Cal Jumper and Chris Gaddis, and Captain John Enoch whom I served under, to Bryce Gearhart for whom I flew the Missing Man, Jaime Richards, Mark Gelegan, and others who gave their lives, and many more. You have served, protected, and preserved our America. We don't bow the knee in shame. We stand proudly in support of the greatest flag representing the Constitution of the greatest nation ever raised on God's green earth.

SEMPER FI MARINES.