The 12th Fleet: Starbase Valhalla

Two Hundred an Thirty Nine, an still looking good!



Yes for those of you who may not know. The US Marines were 'born' 10 Nov, 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. Every year current, and former Marines ( like myself ) celebrate this birthday. not to mention the celebrations at the 'official' Marine Corps Ball, and cake cutting ceremonies.

Many active Marines have even scored dates with celebrities on their arm as they attend. While I never had a celeb on my arm, I do have memories of the multiple Balls I attended during my 21 years in uniform. However, my celebrations of late are much simpler. A simple small cake with red, and yellow piping frosting about the top, and four 'children' candles displaying 1775 to blow out. Then a simple toast with a scotch old enough to order itself.

How fitting this years remembrance of Veterans Day coincidences with the Marine Corps Birthday.

Happy Birthday Marines.
~Semper Fi

there are NO former marines!

Ex... The phrase you are looking for is there are no EX-Marines.

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Happy "birthday" then And happy Veterans Day and all that. One of my best memories at uni was when I got taken as a blind double date to a ROTC formal dinner and I can't remember much except that the Marines were the most fun!!

Happy Birthday to the Corps, and much respect to all of our Marines.

Semper Fi and Happy Birthday to the Marines!

Not served myself but a few of my friends are officers in the Royal Veterinary Corp and have been on active duty in various theatres and I've worked with some military vets and medics from across the pond.

Always have great respect for those who choose to serve. We used to sing the following short setting at every Remembrance Services in the UK every year, still applies even to modern conflicts.

"They shall grow not old,
As we who are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morning,
We will remember them,
We will remember them."

Happy Veterans day to everyone that served.

Oorah!!!!

My dad and granfather were marines...

To all the veterans and those still in uniform, I salute thee this day for your service.