MSCoE CG and CSM Send: Happy Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!

By Maj. Gen. James Bonner, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph DelapenaNovember 10, 2021

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — This week, we hope you will join us in celebrating the United States Marine Corps’ 246th birthday — a day dedicated to every warrior who has earned the honor to wear the eagle, globe and anchor, and who is part of “The Few, The Proud.”

Marine Maj. Daniel Vacchio (center), 1st Sgt. James Grundbacher (right), Lance Cpl. Hunter Hensley (back left), and Pfcs. Clayton Coley (left) and Jordan Melendez (rear center) run the first of 246-miles that Marines stationed here will complete...
Marine Maj. Daniel Vacchio (center), 1st Sgt. James Grundbacher (right), Lance Cpl. Hunter Hensley (back left), and Pfcs. Clayton Coley (left) and Jordan Melendez (rear center) run the first of 246-miles that Marines stationed here will complete in celebration of the Corps’ 246 years of service to the nation. This has become an annual event, with more than 500 Marine students and detachment personnel running a mile with the Marine Corps guidon to enhance esprit de corps and celebrate heritage. Fort Leonard Wood is home to the largest USMC detachment not located on a Marine installation. (Photo Credit: Photo by Brian Hill, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office) VIEW ORIGINAL

In 1775, members of the Second Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia to prepare for the Revolutionary War. The committee there drafted a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines to fight for U.S. independence at sea and on shore. On Nov. 10, they passed the Continental Marine Act, establishing the Continental Marines.

Marines are always prepared for every challenge, and the Marine Corps has earned a revered place in our nation’s rich history and in every conflict. They embody professionalism, dedication to duty and integrity. With their ability to expeditiously deploy highly-skilled personnel, Marines defend our liberties around the world at a moment’s notice. Their unique ability to fight across land, sea and air makes Marines critical for military success in a multi-domain environment.

For over 47 years, Marines have trained alongside Soldiers and civilians at Fort Leonard Wood. We are extremely honored and proud to serve with them here in the Ozarks, and we will always be good teammates. Happy birthday, United States Marines Corps! Semper Fidelis!

Victory Starts Here — Victory Through Skill!