Shaffer
11-09-02, 09:45 PM
As we honor the 227th birth of the United States Marine Corps, our Nation continues our strong and decisive response to the terrorist acts of September 11th. Although the war on terror is still far from over, the Navy and Marine Corps, our fellow services and our allies have terrorized the terrorists, defeated the Taliban and freed the people of Afghanistan.
President Bush, two years before the War on Terror began, foresaw the challenges our nation now faces when he noted that, "Moments of national opportunity are either seized or lost and the consequences reach across decades." Like the Marines of Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, and Inchon, today's Marines are answering the President's call to make the world safe for our children and grandchildren.
During this year our Nation will continue to count on your Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Like the generations of Marines that have come before you, I know that one day, our Nation will celebrate your courage and sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom as another chapter in the victorious combat legacy of the United States Marine Corps.
Happy Birthday Marines! It is an honor to serve alongside each and every one of you. God Bless you, your families and the United States of America. Semper Fidelis!
Honorable Gordon R. England
Secretary of the Navy.
President Bush, two years before the War on Terror began, foresaw the challenges our nation now faces when he noted that, "Moments of national opportunity are either seized or lost and the consequences reach across decades." Like the Marines of Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, and Inchon, today's Marines are answering the President's call to make the world safe for our children and grandchildren.
During this year our Nation will continue to count on your Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Like the generations of Marines that have come before you, I know that one day, our Nation will celebrate your courage and sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom as another chapter in the victorious combat legacy of the United States Marine Corps.
Happy Birthday Marines! It is an honor to serve alongside each and every one of you. God Bless you, your families and the United States of America. Semper Fidelis!
Honorable Gordon R. England
Secretary of the Navy.