Each year, we get together on November 10 to celebrate our Marine Corps Birthday. This is a significant year as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary, marking a period of special ceremonies and opportunities to connect with Marines from our past, present, and future. There are numerous events across the state, with a special cake cutting ceremony at 1200, Nov 10, at the State Capitol Rotonda in Austin.

Our history began Nov 10, 1775, by a resolution of the Continental Congress, to resolved two Battalions of Marines. A handful of recruited resolute souls formed the genesis of the Continental Marines. These Marines served as Naval Infantry as they assisted in shipboard operations, sharpshooters, and began amphibious landings, the hallmark of the Corps. They transitioned and operated “By Sea and by Land. They were in North and South America, the American Civil War, and far off lands in Asia. Wherever the Navy went, the Marines were ready to carry out foreign policy.

Their tactics continued to improve. Marine Aviation was experimental and maintained a presence to keep the peace. They fought in the Spanish American War and the Boxer Rebellion.

WW I began and the Marines were tested. At Belleau Woods, the Marines fought fiercely, and they were known to

bite the Germans, who gave the Marines the name of “Teufel Hunden” or Devil Dogs that is still relevant today. Women enlisted and were called “The Marinettes”. Between the wars, the Marines continued their presence around the globe, while in Quantico, formal doctrine, was written and tested, as they prepared for the next conflict that loomed just over the horizon. WW II began and the Marines held the lines. The Navy created an improved amphibious capability, and the Marine Corps implemented their amphibious operation doctrine to support the island- hopping campaign. Marine Aviation improved with new Fighters, Patrol, Cargo, and the B-25 Marine Bomber Aircraft. Six Divisions were stood up in the Pacific. Adm. Nimitz provided a simple statement that sums up the tenaciousness of the Marines. Uncommon valor was a common virtue.

The Cold War began, and Korea was the first test. The Marines demonstrated their tenacity as they fought hard and demonstrated their amphibious landing capabilities at Inchon and Flying Fish Channel. They fought their way out of the Chosin Reservoir with the help of Marine Close Air Support. Jet Fighters and Helicopters were introduced.

The last 70 years, the Cold War continued, numerous incidents took place, an embargo around Cuba, revolutions, war in Southeast Asia, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Kuwait, 9-11, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other areas. Marines were deployed to keep the peace and support the foreign policy.

For 250 years, Marines continued to deploy, cross the line of departure, climb into landing craft, vehicles, aircraft, or ships, as they hold the line in distant lands. Marines continue to form, check their gear, make way to the front, to accomplish the mission just as they did in 1775, and will continue for the next 250 years.

In 1775, there were approximately 131 Officers and 2000 Enlisted Colonial Marines in the original two Battalions. In WW II there were approximately 470KMarines and 6 Divisions. Today, there are about 170K Marines on active duty and 33K reserves. There are three Marine Expeditionary Forces and each have approximately 50K Marines and Sailors and consisting of ground forces, aviation assets, and combat service support assets.

Equipment, tactics, techniques, and procedures change. Only the Marine and Core Values are the mainstay.

I wish all of you a wonderful 250^th Anniversary and close with a paragraph from General Smith, Commandant, USMC, Birthday Message. “We stand on the shoulders of giants.” For 250 years, Marines have answered the call with unwavering fidelity. Looking forward, the Corps remain committed to its timeless mission: to fight and win for the nation, always faithful—Semper Fidelis.

Happy Birthday, Marines, Sailors, Members, Associates, and Families.

Tony Poletti
34^th Commandant
Department of Texas
Marine Corps League