Speeches
233rd U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Remarks by Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold
November 14, 2008
Thank you very much Gunnery Sergeant Amedee. Good evening, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am delighted to see so many friends of the U.S. Marine Corps here tonight. Thank you for joining us.
Let me, first of all, extend a warm welcome to:
Singapore’s Chief of Army, Major General Neo Kian Hong, and Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and from California, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations West, Major General Michael Lehnert. And it’s always wonderful to have Rear Admiral Nora Tyson with us.
Thanks to all of you and your spouses for coming to celebrate with the Marines tonight.
The Marine Corps holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. It is the smallest of the four services and holds itself to a very high standard. At various times during its existence, the question has come up: “we have an Army and a Navy, does America need a Marine Corps?” And… time and again the Marine Corps has proven its worth and answered the question with a resounding YES. The Marine Corps is innovative, resourceful and willing to change when change is warranted, but it also cherishes its traditions, like this wonderful ceremony we’re enjoying this evening.
Our host nation of Singapore, like the U.S. Marine Corps, has worldwide influence out of proportion with its size because Singapore, like the Marines, is resourceful, innovative and holds itself to very high standards. As we celebrate the 233rd Anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps, I am proud to share this evening with our friends from Singapore.
I would like to thank the Marines of Embassy Singapore for organizing this event. I would like to thank all the other Marine detachments around the globe for organizing events like this one. I like to think of all of them as our Marines and I know that U.S. Embassies around the world are in good hands when our Marines are on duty.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would now like to read a message from the Secretary of State.
On behalf of the Department of State, I extend my best wishes and sincere congratulations to the United States Marine Corps on your 233rd anniversary on November 10.
Since the United States Marine Corps' founding in 1775 at the Second Continental Congress, Marines have served with distinction in every American armed conflict and have provided vital humanitarian assistance to millions of needy people around the world.
With the authorization of the Marine Security Guard program in 1946, Marines have protected U.S. diplomatic personnel, facilities, and critical information with honor.
Over the past year, Marine Security Guards have provided exemplary support and exhibited unwavering commitment to numerous embassies and consulates in crisis situations. In but one example, during violent and unpredictable demonstrations in Belgrade, Serbia, Marine Security Guards valiantly stood their ground to protect embassy personnel and facilities while under direct threat from thousands of protesters.
This year the Marine Corps and Department of State commemorated the 10th and 25th anniversaries of terrorist attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in East Africa and Beirut, Lebanon. Despite these tragic attacks, Marines continue bravely to stand watch over the men and women of American diplomacy while also sharing in our losses.
Today over 1,400 Marines serve alongside our diplomats at 149 embassies and consulates around the world with absolute, unwavering commitment to our security. Without the Marines, the men and women of the State Department could not succeed in their mission.
America proudly recognizes the unique contributions, bravery, and sacrifices of all Marines, and I thank you for your continued dedication and service to our country in the cause of freedom.
Semper Fidelis, Marines!
Condoleezza Rice