American Spartans

     The Marines are the smallest branch of the US armed forces, but their reputation outmatched their size. Today the Marines celebrate their 235th anniversary, born before the country was in 1775. The Marine Corps makes up less than 11 percent of the U.S. Military but more than 23 percent of the Americans killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
     Around the world, Marines celebrate the day with a cake tradition: the guest of honor gets the first piece of the birthday cake, the oldest Marine gets the second and the youngest Marine gets the third. After the cake, a birthday message from John A. Lejune is read. "So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as 'Soldiers of the Sea' since the founding of the Corps".
     Semper Fidelis: always faithful, to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.
     '.....if the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes, they will find the streets guarded by United States Marines!' OOOOOORAH!! Happy Birthday Marines!!