No Matter Where - Happy Birthday

Posted on 10 Nov 2011 @ 4:32pm by Commodore Da`nal of the House of Varal

1,250 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: M8: The Kzinti War!!!!
Location: Mercer - Marine Base

Even in the midst of war or peace Marines across the Federation found the time to celebrate this very special day. The concealed mess hall was filled to capacity and 1stSgt Velez was standing in for the Major as he was planning the next operation. Nodding to the Corporal to his left the signal for everyone to take their seats was given. It took a little time for everyone to settle down but when he stood and raised his hand a quiet fell over the assembled Marines.

“The Federation has many traditions from many cultures. However none as deeply rooted and unchanged as the one we stop to honor today. Today he gather to celebrate the 613 Birthday of our Corps and though the members of our Corps are of many species from many planets we all share the pride of have earned the most respected title in the known galaxy…the title of MARINE.â€

The crowd erupted with cheers, the typical OOHRAH’s, banging cups, an applause.

Once the roar subsided Velez continued. “Being where we are we don’t have access to the Commandant’s message, but I will do my best.†Lifting his PADD he read from the text he had prepared.

From the crowd a shout went up. “YOU GO TOP!†which was followed by whistles and cheers.

He grinned as he looked out at the faces before him then continued, reading from the script handed down over the centuries.

“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 wherever they may be, 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:

‘On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date many thousands of men have borne that 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.

The record of our Corps is one which 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 so that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the Birth of the 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.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today 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 and has long been the distinguishing mark of 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.

Signed
JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General
Commandant, United States Marine Corps’â€

Velez nodded and a large sheet cake was brought in and placed on the table next to him. As the cake was marched into the mess hall everyone came to attention as the hall filled with the sounds of the Marine Corps hymn. The assembled Marines all stood at ease following the end of the music.

“Regardless of location today Marines pause to observe our birthday by preparing…replicating a cake for all hands.

The birthday cake is traditionally cut with the Mameluke sword, as a reminder that we are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so that our nation may live in peace. The Mameluke sword gets its name from the cross hilt and ivory grip design, similar to swords used for centuries by Ottoman warriors. The Marine Corps tradition of carrying this sword dates from Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon’s assault of Derna, Tripoli, in 1805, where he is said to have won the sword of the governor of the city.

As is tradition a piece of cake is presented to the oldest Marine present. The oldest Marine present is 1st Lieutenant Verian Arnari. Lt. Arnari was born 256 years ago in 2132.†The assembled Marine applauded as the El-Aurian came forward.

Upon receiving the piece of cake, the oldest Marine will in turn passes it onto the youngest Marine present signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of our Corps. The youngest Marine present is Private First Class Quarn Gerash. PFC Gerash was born 19 years ago in 2369.â€

There was humorous banter as the teenaged Bolian…fresh from training, came forward. The cake cutting ceremony now complete Velez returned to the make shift podium to wrap things up.

“On Earth centuries ago during the American Revolution, many important political discussions took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia, including the founding of the Marine Corps. Then as now we are called upon to defend freedom and oppose the tyranny of an merciless aggressor. The Unites States is no more as Earth is no longer divided into nation states squabbling over petty differences. Nations rise and fall, Armies and Fleets are disbanded; but the Marine Corps is forever. And while there has been many changes between since the founding of the Marine Corps we hold fast to the precepts of those that came before us…HONOR, COURAGE, & COMMITMENT.

“Many of us have been asked why we do what we do and if we are ever afraid. I know I can speak for everyone here when I say yes I have known fear, but with fear there can be no courage. In June 1918, 29 German divisions attack the Allies lines in Earth’s World War One and were within Artillery range of Paris. A Major from a depleted ordered the advancing Marines to retreat…that the enemy couldn’t be stopped. Capt Lloyd Williams, replies. ‘Retreat Hell, We Just Got Here!’ One Marine brigade fought through the gas attacks, against the overwhelming odds, at time in hand to hand combat with rifles and bayonets and broke the enemy line 26 days later. Those Marine push though their fear to do what many felt was not possible; So when asked why do you do what you do you can reply….We are Marines, that’s why.

Happy Birthday Marines…and Semper Fi!â€

1st Sgt Arcenio Velez
USS Achilles
NPC – played by Da`nal



OOC – Today Marines of the United States Marines Corps, both here in the States and around the world celebrate their 236th Birthday - Semper Fi Devildogs !!

Chris – Sgt. USMC 89-97

 

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