It’s arguably the most underrated American holiday – the one that has a cult-like following among a select few who bear the title Marine. So, before we all dive deep into the holiday season and gorge ourselves on turkey and presents, let’s give a little thanks to an institution that’s been striking fear into the hearts of America’s enemies for nearly two and half centuries.
Here’s a quick look at what America’s Devil Dogs have been up to around the world this year:
FORGING MARINES
“Recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, run through the Day Movement Course during Basic Warrior Training on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Feb. 8, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Mary R. Jenni)
TOP SHOT
“F/A-18 Hornets with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during а trans-Pacific flight en route to Marine Aviation Support Activity 23, July 8.” (Photo: Lt. Col. Seth Byrum).
COLD SHOT
“A U.S. Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fires his rifle during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-23 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 28, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)
BLOCK THE KICK
“U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Thomas R. Grover, left, a deputy staff judge advocate, and Cpl. Erick Gonzalezaldaz, right, a data systems administrator, both with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, body spar during a Martial Arts Instructor Course culminating event at Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck, Virginia, Jan. 27, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jack Chen)
SEMPER FIRE
“U.S. Marines with Aircraft, Rescue, and Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, put out a controlled fuel burn during a training event at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 11, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Walker)
ESTABLISHING SECURITY
“A U.S. Marine with the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, establishes security after conducting fast rope familiarization training during a visit, board, search, and seizure course at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Jan. 11, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean)
RUNWAY
“U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Gonzales, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, guides an aircraft to a hangar after flight operations during Exercise Cope North 2023 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 9, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Calah Thompson)
SCOPED IN
“U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Adam Hytrek, a scout sniper with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides overwatch for a visit, board, search, and seizure exercise on the USS Miguel Keith in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 11, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Vincent Pham)
UAV ONLINE
“A U.S. Marine with 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, uses an unmanned aircraft system during Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise 2-23 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 23, 2023.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Kennelly)
AMPHIBIOUS
“The high-speed transport vessel USNS Guam (T-HST 1) departs Naha Military Port, Okinawa, Japan, March 3, 2023. The USNS Guam will transport the Marines to the Republic of Korea for exercise Freedom Shield 23.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Andrews)
DOC
Of course, the U.S. Marine Corps doesn’t fight alone. Every Marine has a particularly special place in their heart for Navy Corpsmen. Here’s a throwback from 2012 as a reminder that wherever the Marines go, doc follows.
If you’re looking for that extra hit of motivation to celebrate like a Marine today, here’s The Fat Electrician’s take on this unsung American holiday. Fair warning, the below video contains some adult content and, naturally, Marine-level antics.
Happy birthday again, Marines! Yut, out.
Cover Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Quince Bisard
