Today, we come together to celebrate a milestone unlike any other, the 250th birthday of our beloved United States Marine Corps. Never in my wildest thoughts did I imagine I’d be writing a letter such as this on a day so steeped in history and pride. To say that I feel an overwhelming sense of honor would be an understatement; it fills every fiber of who I am.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed the Corps evolve, in times of peace and in times of war, through generations and across battlefields, and yet one thing has never changed: the unbreakable bond
we share as Marines. From my earliest days in the Detachment to serving as Detachment Commandant, and now as Commandant of the Department of New Jersey, I have seen that same
fire, that same brotherhood, burn bright in every Marine I’ve met. It’s a bond that transcends rank, time, and place, a brotherhood that endures when all else fades.
That spirit, the spirit of Marines, drives me every single day. It’s what inspires me to serve, to give back, and to continue carrying the torch for those who came before us and for those who will follow.
There is truly nothing in this world that compares to the pride, camaraderie, and family that come with earning the title “Marine.” It’s a family that defies distance and time, one that continues to stand strong, shoulder to shoulder, no matter where we are. And today, Marines across the globe will raise their voices, their glasses, and their hearts in celebration of that everlasting brotherhood.
So wherever you may be, whether on duty, at home, or gathered with your fellow Marines, take a moment to reflect, to celebrate, and to remember what binds us all together.
To every Marine, past and present, thank you for your Honor, your Courage, and your Commitment.
Happy 250th Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fidelis,
Yours in Service,
Christopher “Tool” Soldano
Commandant
Department of New Jersey
Download Message: 67th-Dept-of-NJ-Commandant-Birthday-Letter-250th.pdf (74 downloads )
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