[zippyt]

In case every body didnt' know 11/10 is the USMC birthday ,
I found this a few years ago , it still brings a tear to my eye.

My friends, it was once said......
"O Lord, we have long known that prayer
should include confession. Therefore on behalf of the
Marines and their guests here gathered, I confess their sins:

Lord, they're just not in step with today's society.
They are unreasonable in clinging to old-fashioned ideas
like patriotism, duty, honor and country.
They hold radical ideas believing that they are their
brother's keeper and responsible for the Marine on their flank.
They have been seen standing
when colors pass, singing the National Anthem at
ball games, and drinking toasts to fallen comrades.
Not only that, they have been observed standing tall;
taking charge and wearing their hair unfashionably
short.

They have taken Teddy R's and JFK's words too seriously and are
overly concerned with what they can do for their service and country
instead of what they can do for them.

They take the Pledge of Allegiance to heart and believe
that their Oath is to be honored.
Forgive them, Lord, for being stubborn men and women
who hold these values as genuine.
They are aware of the price for honor and
with total command of their spirit, they have been willing
to pay that price.

After all, what more can you expect? They're Marines!


O Lord our God, bless these men and women of ideals,
continue to raise up in this nation strong leaders
and deliver us from "me first managers" and
"don't ask me" followers.

Be our honored guest this day, Oh Lord, and join with us
in laughter, good food, good drink, and the telling of tall tales and
legends that occasionally exceed the truth.

We bow our heads to those who were lost in places that had
names meaningless until the mud-Marines landed,
and in that mud reaffirmed the one legacy that
brings all Marines together, the blood and tears shed for
service and each other.
Watch over and keep safe those who wear this nation's uniform with
special attention to their families and loved ones everywhere.

With brandy and cigar in hand, I salute you all for through this day
and all the following nights and days ahead,
God bless you,
God Bless this great
nation and God bless the Corps."

Amen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES, AND GOD BLESS!

SEMPER FI