War has changed, to be sure. But the Marines have answered. From battling the Barbary pirates on the shores of Tripoli at the beginning of the 1800s to holding the line and then assaulting against the German advance at Belleau Wood in 1918, they have moved on to meet the nation’s needs, ranging from everything between urban combat to complex evacuations and counter-terrorism campaigns. Today, we honor the Marine spirit of Dan Daly and all those who guard their fellow warriors under the 11th Order.
Marines seem to have taken the line from the Marines’ Hymn, “We have fought in every clime and place; Where we could take a gun,” quite literally. Frankly, that aggressive ambition is appreciated. Few things have ever been so deservedly feared and loved as the United States Marine Corps.
So, happy birthday, Marines. Here's health to you and to our Corps. Semper Fidelis. Cheers to 246 more years!