[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 145 (Tuesday, November 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10835-S10836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 227TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

  Mr. LUGAR. Madam President, on November 10th, we honored the 227th 
birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. For more than two centuries, the 
U.S. Marine Corps has exemplified the highest virtues of commitment, 
service, and sacrifice. From the Barbary Coast to the far reaches of 
the Pacific, in the jungles of Vietnam and across the vast expanse of 
the Arabian desert, America's Marines have lived up to their motto: 
``Semper Fidelis.''
  Through the long march of our history, the U.S. Marine Corps has 
built a proud tradition. The smallest of the four service branches, 
they have typically been the ``tip of the spear'' of American military 
might. U.S. Marines have been among the first troops dispatched to 
international crises over the past century. Always apace with world 
dynamics, they have expanded their expertise to encompass the entire 
spectrum of conflict from humanitarian assistance to major theater war. 
Amphibious Forces have demonstrated--in times of crisis and frequently 
on very short notice--that they possess a capable and formidable 
``package'' of ships and Marines to meet the threat across the full 
spectrum of modern conflict.
  Our Marines have protected America's interests, struggled against 
foes that meant harm to our national security and that of our allies, 
and remained at the forefront of our Nation's efforts to maintain 
global peace and stability. From Lebanon to Bangladesh to Somalia, 
Marines restored and maintained order, aided people in distress, 
provided protection for the weak, and upheld the values that have come 
to define our country on the world stage. Many also made the ultimate 
sacrifice in the service of their country, and we honor their memory.
  America's Amphibious Forces remain the force of choice in responding 
to crises in this uncertain world. When, in the early part of this 
year, this nation resolved to liberate Afghanistan from an oppressive 
regime and take action upon terrorist aggressors, it was again the 
United States Marine Corps who got the call--and responded valiantly. 
Despite Afghanistan's isolation, the first sustained U.S. military 
operation ashore was conducted by the 15th and 26th Marine 
Expeditionary Units, an expeditionary force that was deployed, 
organized and launched from the USS Peleliu and USS Bataan Amphibious 
Ready Groups. These two MEU's seized and established the first in-
country staging base (Rhino, nearly 400 nautical miles inland), secured 
the Kandahar airport (another 200 miles) and established a base from 
which quick-reaction operations could be conducted to further track 
down Taliban and al-Qaida forces.
  Amphibious ships with embarked Marine forces are one of the most 
formidable power projection capabilities in the world and represent our 
Nation's only sustainable forcible-entry capability. In peace and in 
war, their value has been ever-present.
  Always faithful, our Marines are men and women of greatness. Tough 
and dedicated, they are truly the best America has to offer. For 227 
years, they have stood for all that is great about this Nation. Their 
values, sense

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of courage and steadfast character remain timeless and valuable 
commodities for an age in which our Nation faces considerable new 
threats.
  Today, not unlike 227 years ago, the importance of our Marine Corps 
is immutable. The razor-sharp readiness of the U.S. Marine Corps 
reassures our friends and warns our enemies, promising swift action, 
decisive victories and a firm adherence to tradition.
  As our U.S. Marine Corps celebrates another anniversary of its proud 
birth on November 10th, 1775 in Philadelphia's Tun Tavern, I stand with 
my colleagues in the Senate in saluting all who have worn the eagle, 
globe and anchor, and to their families who also serve by supporting 
them.

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