As most regular followers of this blog know, I was in the boring ol’ Marine Corps before I decided to join the ELITE RANKS of full-time bloggers. And today, November 10th, marks the 236th birthday of my beloved Corps, the world’s ONLY elite fighting force to be founded in a bar (Tun Tavern, Philadelphia).
I went to Officer Candidates School in the summer of 1999, and when I returned to campus for my senior year — faster and stronger and more confident than I’d ever been — everyone jokingly asked me what it was like to fight the lava monster (“It’s not half as scary as the sergeant instructors, ha ha ha”). Marine Corps ads have always been striking and memorable in their badassery, but my favorite was always the one on the chess board set to Orff’s “Carmina Burana” (below). I saw that as a kid and I was like, “WHOA.” The rousing music, the bass in the announcer’s voice, the war on a giant chess board in a lightning storm — I didn’t even know what the Marines did, but I knew they meant business.
That business, of course, is kicking in the teeth of America’s enemies for the last 236 years. I’ve never been prouder than when I earned the right to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Semper Fi and happy birthday, Marines.
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“Lava monster?” Any nerd worth his weight in tacos knows that’s a Balrog.
The best boss I ever had was a Marine. He always reminded on this day that it was the USMC’s birthday. He was a great man.
Matt, as always thanks for your service. Take the day tomorrow, you’ve deservedly earned it.
So which celebrity are you taking to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Matt? Joel McHale or Timothy Olyphant?
Thanks for all that you do, Matt. Also, definitely take the day off tomorrow.
Semper Fi. I always imagined you being like Private Joker during basic training.
Thanks USMC and Matt!!
Happy Birthday, Marines. And, thanks for your service. While the holiday is only once a year, the appreciation is ongoing.
thanks Matt, for all you do. take the day off and may you be rewarded with endless corgis
Waiting for this post. Thought you might have started the celebration for breakfast, and never got sober enough to remind the rest of us. Here’s to another year of kicking ass, and not really giving a damn about the names.
Thanks for your service and to the USMC for theirs. And I wholeheartedly concur, take a long weekend just be sure someone gets us corgis though.
Many happy returns. Is that really from Orff’s “Carmina Burana” in the chess board ad? I’m only familiar with the more dramatic bit (Here’s 1:11:11 of it [www.youtube.com]) as that was the tune our local ice cream van used to play.
I have a friend who is a Marine. People always ask him:
“Really? So, what do you do in the Marines?”
Answer?
“I kill people. What do YOU do?”
I salute you and the Marines! Have a great day tomorrow!
Happy Birthday, Marines! A round of shots for all of those brave enough to answer the call. The rest of us thankfully raise our vodka-soaked tampons to celebrate your heroism.
Happy Birthday Marines. This post made me think of this scene from Generation Kill.
[www.youtube.com]
Semper Fidelis Uff. I’m just part of the wussy National Guard but my father was a devil’s dog in Vietnam so for him I say Oorah!
“always remember this: Marines die. That’s what we’re here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.” R.L. Emery
Had no idea the Mariners had been around that long. Was a big Alvin Davis fan back in the day.
Thanks for your service, enjoy your day off
That chess commercial must have just used up all the extra stuff left over after they filmed “Excalibur”.
It always was a honor and a pleasure to serve as one of your faithful minions in Uncle Sams Misguided Children, Sir!! And remember boss, G-S-T…….
I particularly enjoyed your piece you wrote on The Classical ([theclassical.org]) but, for some reason, I couldn’t post a comment. As usual when you write about your experiences it’s tremendously moving, poignant, and sad without being simply angry. This part of your writing always leaves me contemplative. I’ve said it before, I wish you would write a book about your experiences. The generals can (ghost) write their books, but an insightful, engaging work by somebody who actually experienced war would be invaluable for those of us who teach. All I can say is thanks to all you guys who served and continue to serve (like my nephew).
Never comment but….
Ooh Rah and Semper Fi. We all owe you more than a comment on a blog could say. Thank You… Especially for the jean shorts
also a toast to heartbreak ridge