Page 8 - 2022 Marine Corps League Journal

General John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message (1921)

On November 10th, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution
of the Continental Congress, Since that date, many, thousand men have
borne the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are
Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to
mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.
The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison
with that of the most famous military organizations in the world’s
history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence, the Marine Corps has
been in action against the Nation’s foes. From the Battle of Trenton to
the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war and in the long
era of tranquility at home. Generation after generation of Marines have
grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven
seas [so] that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have
acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors
on each occasion until the term “Marine” has come to signify all that is
highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

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