Draft RemarksU.S. Marine Corps Birthday Celebration – Marine Ball

November 21, 2015

Ladies and Gentleman, Distinguished guests, and our dear Marines.

It is my great honor to celebrate with all of you the 240th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

With typical birthdays, we look to the future with excitement. Or dread, depending on how many we’ve had! In either case, it is the moment each year we set aside as the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. However, this birthday is definitely not ordinary. It is extraordinary.

Each year this birthday commemoration reminds us of the Marine Corps’ remarkable history and the integral role the men and women of the Corps have played in fighting for our freedom over the entirety of America’s 239 years of independence. And this day calls us to remember and celebrate the Marines that bravely served our country in the past, as well as those who follow in their footsteps today continue to protect the people and values of the United States with intelligence, versatility and skill. This newest generation of Marines, including those serving in Detachment Vienna, represent that new chapter marked on November 10 each year and I want to particularly salute them on this very special occasion.

I have learned to always emphasize Marines in the present tense, because as the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos, famously said: “There’s no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and in a different phase of your life.” In other words, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” From those of the “Greatest Generation” that are still with us today, to those young warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan and beyond, their message of Semper Fidelis to one another echoes through time.

Since 1948, this lifelong bond has also been shared between the Marine Corps and diplomatic communities all over the world. Our common goal to promote and pursue peace is the foundation upon which our close relationship has been built at American embassies and consulates worldwide. Marine selflessness and dedication to protecting our communities from Ankara to Beijing to Santiago to our adopted home here in Vienna makes it possible for us to successfully carry out our missions. My gratitude and that of our entire Tri-Missions team cannot be overstated. Being tasked with the safety of others is a tremendous responsibility. Your devotion to that task and the enthusiasm with which you execute it always remind me that no group of men and women is better suited for the job. The sight of a Marine on post whether at the Embassy, at USOSCE . . . or at the Imperial or Coburg is always reassuring to me and to all of us here..

Gunny Thompson, your dedication and oustanding leadership is on display every day. You lead by example, not just words. Ductus Exemplo truly defines your style. Your Marines truly exemplify the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. No matter the situation, the entire unit is always prepared and ready.

Once again, I would like to thank every Marine here for their service. I am grateful that we are part of the same diplomatic family abroad. Being able to celebrate with you today is truly an honor.

Happy Birthday Marines! Semper Fi!

Drafted: PA/Nick GregoryCleared: PA/KFarmerPA/RGreenanMSG: JThompson