[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 161 (Monday, November 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MARINE CORPS 224TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the U.S. Marine 
Corps on its 224th birthday.
  The U.S. Marine Corps has a long and illustrious history. The 
smallest of the four service branches, they have traditionally been the 
``tip of the spear'' of American military power. U.S. Marines have been 
among the first troops dispatched to international crises areas over 
the past century, and they have been involved in some of the heaviest 
fighting in the various conflicts in which the United States has become 
involved.
  The roll call of battle honors earned by the Marine Corps in the 20th 
century includes some of the most famous battles of the past 100 years: 
Meuse-Argonne, Belleau Wood, Guadacanal, Iwo Jima, Inchon, Tet, and 
many others. Through it all the members of the U.S. Marine Corps were 
the first to take up the battle defending freedom and democracy from 
tyranny and despotism.
  In peacetime, the Marine Corps has performed the vital role of 
safeguarding American embassies and consulates abroad, and in recent 
years, the important mission of peacekeeping. In performing these 
missions, Marine Cops members have served in dangerous and demanding 
positions at great sacrifice to the lives of themselves and their 
families. For this, all Americans owe them a debt of gratitude.
  There is a story that when the British Army invaded Washington, DC, 
in 1814, they burned all major government buildings save one, the 
Marine Barracks. The reason the barracks was spared was that unlike the 
militia at Bladensburg, the U.S. Marines stood and faced the British in 
battle.
  It was out of respect for this bravery on the part of the corps that 
the barracks were spared from destruction. A fitting tribute indeed.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join in congratulating the 
Marine Corps on their 224th anniversary. Our Nation, and our way of 
life, is much safer as a result of their courageous contribution.

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