JWG
07-29-06, 11:38 AM
Rear Admiral Stark's views on Marines
(taken from a speech at the 220th USMC birthday)
As I tried to think of a way to wrap all this up, it occurred to me
that the Services could maybe be characterized by different breeds of
dogs...Now I don't want to offend anybody, and I'm sure each of you
will have your own opinions, but these are my favorites.
For me, the Air Force was pretty clear. They remind me of a French
Poodle. A poodle always looks perfect, like it just came from the
hairdresser. It sometimes seems a bit pampered. It always travels
first class. But don't ever forget, the poodle was bred as a
first-class hunting dog, and in a fight, it's very dangerous.
The Army is kind of like a Saint Bernard. It's big, and heavy, and
sometimes seems a bit clumsy. But it's very powerful and has lots of
stamina. So you want it for the long haul.
The Navy, God bless 'em, are a Golden Retriever. They're good natured
and great around the house. Kids love 'em. Sometimes their hair is a
bit long, and it tends to shed a little. They go wandering off for
long periods of time, and they love the water.
The Marines were a bit of a problem. I don't see the Marines as an
English Bulldog, like Chesty the Marine Corps mascot. In fact, I
actually see the Marines as two different breeds, either Rottweillers
or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties --- big and mean,
and skinny and mean. They're both very territorial. They're aggressive
on the attack, and tenacious on defense. They've both got really short
hair, and they always go for the throat. That sounds like a Marine to
me!
---------
"The Marine Corps is one big family, wherever you go you always end up
finding one another. Young or old, Marines always gravitate towards
their own kind"
---------
The Marines' Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails,
make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true
to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and
helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones
and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to
do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities
with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my
daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to
the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make
me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my
uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions
which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt; steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me
strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try
again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I
may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.
P.S ^^^ (Amazingly, at one time, I had the Marines' Prayer MEMORIZED!
I guess memory is short-lived. It is ONE GREAT POEM!) ^^^
(taken from a speech at the 220th USMC birthday)
As I tried to think of a way to wrap all this up, it occurred to me
that the Services could maybe be characterized by different breeds of
dogs...Now I don't want to offend anybody, and I'm sure each of you
will have your own opinions, but these are my favorites.
For me, the Air Force was pretty clear. They remind me of a French
Poodle. A poodle always looks perfect, like it just came from the
hairdresser. It sometimes seems a bit pampered. It always travels
first class. But don't ever forget, the poodle was bred as a
first-class hunting dog, and in a fight, it's very dangerous.
The Army is kind of like a Saint Bernard. It's big, and heavy, and
sometimes seems a bit clumsy. But it's very powerful and has lots of
stamina. So you want it for the long haul.
The Navy, God bless 'em, are a Golden Retriever. They're good natured
and great around the house. Kids love 'em. Sometimes their hair is a
bit long, and it tends to shed a little. They go wandering off for
long periods of time, and they love the water.
The Marines were a bit of a problem. I don't see the Marines as an
English Bulldog, like Chesty the Marine Corps mascot. In fact, I
actually see the Marines as two different breeds, either Rottweillers
or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties --- big and mean,
and skinny and mean. They're both very territorial. They're aggressive
on the attack, and tenacious on defense. They've both got really short
hair, and they always go for the throat. That sounds like a Marine to
me!
---------
"The Marine Corps is one big family, wherever you go you always end up
finding one another. Young or old, Marines always gravitate towards
their own kind"
---------
The Marines' Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails,
make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true
to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and
helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones
and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to
do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities
with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my
daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to
the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make
me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my
uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions
which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt; steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me
strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try
again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I
may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen.
P.S ^^^ (Amazingly, at one time, I had the Marines' Prayer MEMORIZED!
I guess memory is short-lived. It is ONE GREAT POEM!) ^^^