Remarks by Ambassador Fulton at the 235th birthday of the USMC

Below are remarks as delivered by Ambassador Fulton at the USMC birthday ball. Please find also Secretary Clinton's birthday message to the Marines.

Good Evening.
Thank you for being part of our celebration of the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

First, let me welcome our special guest Lt. General Walter E. Gaskin, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee in Brussels.  How fitting it is to have General Gaskin with us tonight in Copenhagen – as both the U.S. and Denmark will be active participants in the NATO Summit in Lisbon next week.

Tonight we celebrate the 235th birthday of the US Marines.  The Marines are older than our country.  November 10th is the official birthday of the Marines because on this date in 1775, the Continental Congress resolved to raise two Continental Marine battalions.

Tonight’s birthday celebration will be repeated at US Embassies around the glove.  The format for this ball and its ceremonies – like the cake cutting ceremony – have been formalized tradition for nearly 50 years.

As we begin our evening, let me read the birthday message to the US Marines from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.  READ

Last year I shared with you that among my earliest childhood memories are standing beside my father in Canistota, South Dakota, singing the Marines hymn.  From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli – He served as a Marine during WWII in the Pacific Theater.  He taught me that no one exceeds the bravery and dedication of a US Marine. And, once a Marine, always a Marine.

That is as true today as it was then.  Two weeks ago Denmark and the US Embassy hosted a Conference on the Role of Women I Global Security.  Among our participants were some of our female US Marines who currently are serving in Afghanistan. Two of them were in FETs or Female Engagement Teams.  Their dedication and bravery is tested every day.  As Secretary of the US Navy Ray Mabus told us at the conference, the work of the FETs is making an incredible difference.  They are meeting women in places like Helmand province, and drawing them out to learn and help meet their needs.

Imagine the eye-opening experience for boys in Helmand to see US Marines who are women.  They are incredible role-models for the idea that women can be anything they want to be.  They are helping bring stability to the region be interacting with what used to be the invisible 50% of the population.

But they are Marines.  While women are not sent out into direct combat, they are members of the patrols that go out each day in Helmand.  And when the patrols make contact, the US Marines do not retreat.  The women Marines get caught in fire fights just like the males – and they fight with the same bravery and dedication of all US Marines.  One of our conference participants, Amanda Freeman recently was in a  heavy fire fight – and she continues to do remarkable work with the professionalism we expect of a US Marine.

The US Marines have won honor in wars at home and abroad, and the Marine Security Guards protect our US Embassies and the people  at our embassies who work to support the important foreign policy objectives of President Obama.

Tonight we pay tribute to the US Marines, past and present, and honor those who paid with the highest sacrifice to defend our nation.  Let us now enjoy an evening of camaraderie.
Happy Birthday Marines.  Semper Fi.

Secretary Clinton’s Message On The 235th Anniversary Of The U.S. Marine Corps

I am honored to send Marines around the world the best wishes of the men and women of the Department of State on the 235th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. You have our deep respect and gratitude for the courage, dedication to duty, and willingness to sacrifice that Marines have consistently demonstrated throughout your long and distinguished history.

On this occasion, I extend a special thanks to all who serve or have served as Marine Security Guards. Without you, the State Department could not succeed in its mission to carry out U.S. foreign policy. Since 1946, Marines have guarded our nation's embassies and consulates, protecting diplo-mats and government resources overseas. Marine Security Guards are not only our first line of defense, they are often the first American that visitors encounter at our embassies. As such, Marines also represent the welcoming face of the United States to foreign citizens and govern-ments. During embassy emergencies, Marine Security Guards have been a steadfast support in the face of civil unrest, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks.

The challenges of protecting our diplomatic missions overseas are greater than ever, and we at the State Department are proud to have you as partners in our diplomacy and security abroad. For Americans working far from home, often in dangerous parts of the world, knowing that Marines are standing post every day is a welcome comfort. The close cooperation between the State Department and the Marine Corps has grown even greater in recent years. State Department personnel proudly serve alongside U.S. Marines in combat zones, from Anbar Province in Iraq to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. We rely on the courage and professionalism that is the hallmark of the U.S. Marines to operate in these difficult places. As we celebrate this 235th anniversary, we honor the Marines who continue to advance U.S. foreign policy interests around the world, and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I salute the valiant men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps -- all who have served, and all who have fallen -- for your faithful dedication to our country. Time and time again, you have proven "Semper Fidelis" to be more than a motto. For United States Marines, it is a way of life. Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fi!