[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Pages 26076-26077]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                HONORING THE MARINE CORPS 225TH BIRTHDAY

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, On November 10th, we honored the 225th 
birthday of the United States Marine Corps. For more than two 
centuries, the United States Marine Corps has exemplified the highest 
virtues of loyalty, 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 shown 
the world the meaning of ``Semper Fi.''
  Through the long march of our history, few military organizations 
have been held in such high esteem as the United States Marine Corps. 
Our Marine Corps are men and women of great character. They are smart, 
tough, dedicated, and faithful, truly the best America has to offer. 
For 225 years, they have stood for all that is great about this nation: 
honor, courage, and commitment. Their values, sense of courage, and 
quiet, steadfast character remain timeless and valuable commodities for 
an age in which our Nation's interests face considerable new threats.
  Throughout their great history, Marines protected America's 
interests, struggled against foes who attempted to do our country harm, 
and remained at the forefront of our Nation's efforts to maintain 
global peace and stability. In hundreds of distant lands, from 
Nicaragua to Lebanon 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 made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country, and 
we honor their memory.
  In my hometown of New Orleans, we are fortunate enough to be rich in 
Marine Corps history and tradition. We are the proud home of the Marine 
Forces Reserve Headquarters where Major General Mize commands more than 
104,000 Reserve Marines all across the United States. We are also the 
home of the last Medal of Honor winner

[[Page 26077]]

in the Vietnam War, General James E. Livingston. Despite the fact that 
then-Captain Livingston was wounded a third time and unable to walk, he 
steadfastly remained in a dangerously exposed area, supervising the 
evacuation of casualties. Only when assured of the safety of his men 
did he allow himself to be evacuated. His valor on the battlefield 
epitomizes the spirit of the Marine Corps.
  As we set out in this new century, the importance of our Marine Corps 
has never been more clear. Tomorrow, as today and for generations past, 
the razor sharp readiness of the United States Marine Corps serves as a 
beacon to America's friends and a warning to our enemies, promising 
swift action, great victories and richer traditions yet to come.
  On this day, I offer warmest regards to all who have worn the eagle, 
globe and anchor, and to the families who also serve by supporting 
them. You represent all that is wonderful about our Nation.

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