R 252005Z JUN 08
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. ON THIS, OUR NATIONS 232ND YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE,
WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR NATION AS WELL AS TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY
TO REFLECT ON THE SERVICE OF THOSE WHO HAVE DEFENDED THE CAUSE OF
FREEDOM. YOUR SERVICE IS A TREMENDOUS SOURCE OF PRIDE AND
CONFIDENCE FOR AMERICANS, AND GIVES HOPE FOR ALL PEOPLE SEEKING
LIBERTY EVERYWHERE.
2. RECENT INITIATIVES HAVE PLACED NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS FRONT
AND CENTER TO VEHICLE SAFETY PROGRAMS AND REINFORCED PRIVATE MOTOR
VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY. I ASK FOR YOUR INCREASED SUPPORT TO
ENSURE SUCCESS IN THESE EFFORTS; YOU AND YOUR FELLOW MARINES ARE A
VITAL PART OF WHAT MAKES THIS COUNTRY GREAT.
3. ON THIS SPECIAL DAY, ANNETTE AND I ASK THAT YOU EVALUATE THE
RISKS INVOLVED IN YOUR ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE INVOLVING
ALCOHOL. FOR THOSE DEPLOYED, STAY SAFE AND CONTINUE TO SERVE WITH
PRIDE KNOWING THAT WE HOLD YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. TAKE
CARE OF ONE ANOTHER AS WE CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE.
4. SEMPER FIDELIS, JAMES T. CONWAY, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS//