Please join me in wishing the United States Marine Corps a happy 236th birthday.
It's hard to believe that it's been 45 years since that warm night in June, 1966 when I arrived at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and was greeted by a group of drill instructions who, as I recall, didn't seem too happy to see me.
While Marine recruit training is an adventure I would not want to repeat, it was an experience I will never forget. I will always be proud to have earned the title of "Marine" and will be forever indebted to all past, present and future Marines who give true meaning to the words "honor", "courage" and "commitment".
Happy Birthday Marines! Semper Fi.