[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

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                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2001

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, November 10, 2001, marks the 226th anniversary 
of the U.S. Marine Corps. On November 10, 1775, a corps of Marines was 
created by a resolution of the Continental Congress, and throughout the 
whole of American history the corps has acted with the bravery and 
honor, courage and humility befiting the American armed services.
  In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, and the current 
military operations which are underway, I am hopeful that America has a 
new found respect and reverence for our men and women in uniform 
wherever and whenever they may serve.
  As Marines both Retired and Active Duty, Reservists, civilian and 
uniformed alike, gather cross the Nation to celebrate this momentous 
occasion, I would like to acknowledge their past service and give 
thanks for their continued vigilance during these trying times.
  This week, in my own district, the Marines of Page County will gather 
for a humble but memorable celebration at the Luray VFW. To commemorate 
this special day I would like to submit for the Record an essay 
composed by Thomas E. Lloyd, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), a 
resident of Virginia's 10th Congressional District, who has captured 
the essence of a lifetime devotion to the corps.

               [From the Marine Corps Gazette, Nov. 1997]

                         The Change Is Forever

                  (By Maj Thomas E. Lloyd, USMC(Ret))

       Until recently in my home town, there was an advertising 
     billboard on Main Street with the image of a young Marine 
     officer in Dress Blues with the caption. ``The Change Is 
     Forever.'' Appropriately, the sign appeared about the same 
     time as the 1996 Marine Corps Birthday. Each time that I 
     passed it, the soft murmur of memories echoed in my head.
       It's fun to enjoy an occasional peek into the window of our 
     past as long as we know when to close the curtain. One 
     enjoyable way to do this is to celebrate the birthday of our 
     Corps with other Marines. Since our area is rural and fairly 
     remote, a few of us decided two birthdays ago to have our own 
     celebration. Over the past 2 years, it has grown from a few 
     retired Marines gathering to toast the birthday of their 
     Corps to a community event of over 100 Marines, their 
     families, and friends.
       There's nothing fancy about our ball--the Marines who can 
     still get into their uniforms wear them, but there are no 
     tuxedos or long gowns. For $7.00 you get a good, homecooked 
     meal of roast beef, gravy, and mashed potatoes. After dinner, 
     we ask the guests to light a candle for our Corps as two 
     retired Marines parade the colors with a marching glide that 
     does not hint of their combined ages of 140 years. After the 
     reading of the traditional Birthday Message of Gen. Lejeune, 
     the cake cutting ceremony takes place.
       As the senior Marine, I then say a few words. In keeping 
     with the type of audience, I try to make my remarks 
     emotional, but relevant and to the point. Last year I 
     reminded them that there were no ex-Marines--only Marines.
       We are gathered here to honor our Corps and our fellow 
     Marines. We pay homage to tradition and patriotism, to duty 
     and honor, to commitment and sacrifice. The voices of those 
     who have gone before us call out to us with the words that 
     symbolize our Corps--Semper Fidelis! In your present life, 
     you may be a farmer or a truck driver. You may be old or 
     young. Your hair may have grown grey and your middle thick. 
     Life and the inevitable progression of time changes our 
     outward appearance, but it cannot alter what is inside. Your 
     presence here says what is in your heart; you too have 
     answered the role call of Marines who call out to the next 
     generation--Semper Fidelis. I remind you, as I have before, 
     that you are still Marines. You have been branded with the 
     eagle, globe, and anchor. It is seared into your soul. You 
     have earned the title Marine, and it is yours until eternity.
       More than likely, no flag officer will ever speak at our 
     birthday ball, and the Marine Corps band will only play for 
     us via my cassette player. A high-ranking guest speaker, 
     expensive admission, and a prime rib dinner aren't 
     necessarily prerequisites for a successful birthday 
     celebration, but enthusiasm, sincerity, and the spirit of the 
     Marines who attend are.
       At the foot of the Blue Ridge, near the Shenandoah river, 
     where the natural beauty of the landscape takes your breath 
     away, you'll find a small group of simple and down-to-the-
     earth men and women who believe in the motto of their Corps--
     Semper Fidelis! They remain faithful, even though the Marine 
     Corps that they once knew exists only in their memories and 
     in their hearts. The words on the billboard were more than 
     advertising: The Change Is Forever!

     

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