Russell Lynch, a personal friend of mine, wrote this uplifting, downright motivating article commemorating the birth of a brotherhood that will forever unite us with scores of other Americans, past, present and future. Thanks for sending out this article, brother.
Happy Birthday Leatherneck! Semper Fidelis.
Original Post by Russell Lynch, MaxMuzzleloader.com Blog, Posted: 09 Nov 2010 09:48 PM PST
Forever A Marine
On this date, 235 years ago, in a small tavern in Philadelphia, a man by the name of Samuel Nichols gathered a group of dedicated men who stood ready to serve their country. On that night, the very first man was enlisted into what is now known as the Worlds Finest Fighting Force: the United States Marine Corps. Led by Nichols, they had no idea what they had begun.
To become a U.S. Marine the test is hard; everything you’ve heard about USMC boot camp is true. Without experiencing it yourself, you can’t really understand it and I can’t really explain it. But the rewards are worth the blood, sweat and tears it takes to pass. And you will never be the same. Never.
You see, the saying is true: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”. In fact, the title “U.S. Marine” is forever and even beyond. Marines are never forgotten, they live among us even after their service on earth is complete.
After my enlistment as an active Marine was over in 1988, my “Prior Marine” status had just begun. It’s where I am now, it will continue until my earthly enlistment has ended.
To become a U.S. Marine requires that a person make a life-long commitment to something bigger than themselves. Most of us don’t get that going in. It requires commitment to God, Country and Corps. And then the day comes when we join the ranks of “Prior Marine”, and now we add service to family and community to our list of commitments. We have influence over everyone we come in contact with, no matter where, no matter what age.
For we are Marines for life. We are accountable for our actions, or lack thereof, for life and beyond. The Marine Corps doesn’t expect you to quit being a Marine once your enlistment is complete, Marines are ingrained from the first day of boot camp into a special brotherhood with a special bond, they are trained with integrity and are expected to carry on as trained, forever.
The Marine Corps expects it’s men and women to carry on after their enlistment is complete, to become leaders in society, to continue to be first to help, first to assist and first to fight, only now in our own communities instead of on foreign soil.
For those who have not been a Marine, always remember this: for 235 years, the Marine Corps has not only provided the world with the “Finest Fighting Force”, they have made a difference in countless walks of life, in the past, now and forever.
They are proud, but humble and each and every Marine since 1775 is a true American hero.
For those of you that have earned the title of U.S. Marine, you know what is expected of you, so get to it. It’s in you to continue to serve as a Marine, now and until your death. And when your time on this earth is done, another Marine will be taking on the title of “Prior” and he/she will take it from there, and forever and beyond. Our duty to service, our fellow Marines and all Americans is never ending.
There has never been a better time in world history to serve this great country than now. Our country is wounded and torn and needs our service now like never before. Remember to commit yourself to a cause bigger than yourself, and this country is just that. America is and always will be, bigger and more important than any one person. We have the skills and the dedication to make a difference, so reach down inside yourself and get it done.
As our USMC history has shown, there is not problem or situation that a dedicated, committed, organized group of Marines can’t get control of.
I would suggest we start at a place that we know best: right where we are. Show every American to your north, south, east and west to see America like a Marine does. Let them see America through your eyes. By doing this one thing, you have committed yourself to a cause bigger than yourself. Just imagine an American with the same pride and integrity as they instill in Marines from day one of boot camp; an American that is proud of this country; an American that is dedicated to getting it straightened out. And we will come through these trying times we find ourselves in, stronger and wiser.
Our country has a lot of problems right now, but nothing that Americans can’t handle. If we look at these problems as a battle, through the eyes of a Marine, it is the perfect battle to fight and as always, one with victory on the other side.
First, we won’t be on foreign soil and we won’t be fighting a foreign enemy. We’ll be fighting with Americans. Secondly, we already have Marines embedded with Americans (ourselves). As Marines, we come from all walks of life, religions, and races; we are everywhere. Third, we the Marines, know better than anyone how to fight battles that politicians from one country or another start, but we can finish.
Although the perfect battle, it will still be a hard and long one. Americans need jobs, healthcare, food, housing, ….the one thing that the Marines can provide to all Americans, is pride and hope. And the best way to continue is to serve our fellow Americans is to simply let them see this country we love, through our eyes. It costs nothing but time; we are Expert Americans, Professional Americans, and we have much to share.
As for the war we are fighting on foreign soil, every Marine needs to thank our civilian Americans for their support and prayers for ALL service members that have fought and are fighting, and those that gave their all.
To all other branches of the US Military, thank you. Thank you for all you’ve done, thank you for all you continue do. And please help us to continue to serve, now and forever, for you have the same great love for this country as we do.
Let the 235th Birthday of the “Worlds Finest Fighting Force” be the day we recommit ourselves to serve our country and fellow Americans. Help one American a day, every day. Instill in them, as it was ingrained in us, to remain faithful to the mission: don’t just be a good American, be a dedicated, pride-filled and committed one.
Happy Birthday, Semper Fi!
Forever a Marine,
Russell Lynch
Active Prior Service Marine
10 Nov 2010
Longmeadow, MA 7/29/2011 – Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and FMG Publications sponsored two American Heroes from Ft. Campbell at the annual Shooting Industry Masters event in Park City, KY on July 22-23, 2011. These disabled soldiers were greeted with a 2-minute standing ovation by over 350 participants from the shooting industry who understand how their service and sacrifice exemplifies the commitment to freedom that America’s military personnel show every day. These soldiers represented the hundreds of veterans that HAVA serves each year and exhibited the joy that HAVA activities brings to these American heroes as they begin to rebuild their lives after their service and considerable personal sacrifice.