Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the 237th Marine Birthday Ball. The event was hosted by the Marine Security Guard Detachment at our Embassy in Luanda. These 6 young men are an outstanding group of individuals who I am honored to call friends. Marines bravely protect our diplomats and classified information throughout the world....and they sure know how to throw a party!
On behalf of the entire Department of State family, I am honored to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you, the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps, on the Corps' 237th birthday. "In every clime and place," Marines have repeatedly demonstrated
their valor and dedication to service; many have given the last full measure of devotion in defense of our liberty and freedom. To every Marine - those currently in uniform and those who have proudly worn it in the past - we thank you for your sacrifices, your courage, and your service to this country we all love.
This celebration provides all of us in the Department of State a special opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of the Marines who are serving and have served alongside our diplomatic personnel around the world. The Marine security guards in our embassies, consulates, and missions play a vital role in providing internal security to our facilities and vigilance over classified government information and equipment. These Marines do not just stand at "Post One" - they stand for the United States. In my travels, I have met many of our Marine security guards, and I am ceaselessly impressed by the manner in which they represent our country. We are likewise grateful to the many other Marines who even now are detailed to protect our facilities and personnel in volatile regions. For those you protect, it is a comfort to them to know that you are standing post, enhancing their safety and security, and enabling the vital work of our diplomatic and development professionals in a dangerous world.
Our Marine friends and colleagues have met unique challenges in supporting the Department, and they have - without exception - responded bravely and effectively.
They have responded to natural disasters, civil unrest, and violent attacks. They have defended the integrity of our facilities and worked courageously to save human life. I want to commend specifically the actions of Marines during recent incidents at our facilities throughout the world. Despite the dangers, their actions directly contributed to the safety of U.S. government personnel at these embassies, proving once again that every Marine lives the Corps' credo, "Semper Fidelis" - always faithful.
I join the entire State Department family, and indeed the entire country, in thanking all Marines, and especially those who have served and continue to serve side by side with the Department abroad, for selflessly performing their mission every single day and for being a Marine. We salute you and your work, today and every day.
Happy 237th birthday, Marines! Semper Fi!
*Special thanks go out to my favorite Marine, who is guarding the US Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia. As we all sat around the table and raised a glass, the Gunnery Sergeant remarked, "It takes a special kind of woman to love a Marine." Cheers to that!
SECRETARY CLINTON'S MESSAGE ON THE 237TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE US MARINE CORPS
On behalf of the entire Department of State family, I am honored to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you, the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps, on the Corps' 237th birthday. "In every clime and place," Marines have repeatedly demonstrated
their valor and dedication to service; many have given the last full measure of devotion in defense of our liberty and freedom. To every Marine - those currently in uniform and those who have proudly worn it in the past - we thank you for your sacrifices, your courage, and your service to this country we all love.
This celebration provides all of us in the Department of State a special opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of the Marines who are serving and have served alongside our diplomatic personnel around the world. The Marine security guards in our embassies, consulates, and missions play a vital role in providing internal security to our facilities and vigilance over classified government information and equipment. These Marines do not just stand at "Post One" - they stand for the United States. In my travels, I have met many of our Marine security guards, and I am ceaselessly impressed by the manner in which they represent our country. We are likewise grateful to the many other Marines who even now are detailed to protect our facilities and personnel in volatile regions. For those you protect, it is a comfort to them to know that you are standing post, enhancing their safety and security, and enabling the vital work of our diplomatic and development professionals in a dangerous world.
Our Marine friends and colleagues have met unique challenges in supporting the Department, and they have - without exception - responded bravely and effectively.
They have responded to natural disasters, civil unrest, and violent attacks. They have defended the integrity of our facilities and worked courageously to save human life. I want to commend specifically the actions of Marines during recent incidents at our facilities throughout the world. Despite the dangers, their actions directly contributed to the safety of U.S. government personnel at these embassies, proving once again that every Marine lives the Corps' credo, "Semper Fidelis" - always faithful.
I join the entire State Department family, and indeed the entire country, in thanking all Marines, and especially those who have served and continue to serve side by side with the Department abroad, for selflessly performing their mission every single day and for being a Marine. We salute you and your work, today and every day.
Happy 237th birthday, Marines! Semper Fi!
*Special thanks go out to my favorite Marine, who is guarding the US Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia. As we all sat around the table and raised a glass, the Gunnery Sergeant remarked, "It takes a special kind of woman to love a Marine." Cheers to that!
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