10/365
Tonight was our esteemed Marine Corps Ball. I had a blast. Lots of cheering and dancing. Always fun. Each year, every Marine, around the world celebrates the Marine Corps birthday in one way or another. Traditionally, we share a birthday ball. There is an elaborate ceremony with music, cake cutting, speeches, a color guard, and many other little things that make us unique. What's important is that it is the same and shared by each Marine throughout the world, as well as throughout generations. If you ever get the chance to attend one of these balls, please take that chance. It is quite the experience.
This year, we watched a short clip with an address from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. It talked about how special this year was because it not only marked another birthday of America's Greatest Gun Club (that's us) but also the ten year anniversary of 9/11. When those towers fell, Marines of all ages, both active and retired came out of their homes, dressed in their uniforms, and banded together as first responders to aide those who were injured or trapped in the tragic event. Even Marines who had been retired for many years, risked their lives to run into those buildings and into that rubble to help civilians and protect their lives.
This is the same thing we do today. Marines everyday, risk thier lives to protect that person to their left and to their right. We charge into that crumbling building, that burning house, that war-torn country, and offer relief and assisstance to those in need.
The most memorable quote was from a story told by a Marine Staff Sergeant about that terrible day. He said as he searched the rubble from the Twin Towers, he called out, "U.S. Marines, United States Marines. We are here to help." He went on to say that a certain individual that he pulled from those ruins told him, "When I heard the Marines were there to help, I knew I was going to make it out alive."
On this monumental weekend, the Marine Corps birthday, Veteran's Day, the memory of nine eleven, we must keep in mind what it is we are here for.
Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
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