*EPF406 11/09/00
Defense Department Report, Thursday, November 9, 2000
(U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 225th anniversary) (380)

U.S. MARINE CORPS IS 225 YEARS OLD

Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig says that for two hundred and twenty five years, the United States Marine Corps has produced Marines of distinction for -- "lives dedicated to defending the Nation, lives lost or forever changed in combat, and lives of immense value to America."

In celebrating the Marine Corps' 225th birthday, Danzig said, all Marines should take great personal satisfaction in their camaraderie, their solidarity, and in knowing that when the U.S. calls, "you respond unfailingly."

Following is the text:

(begin text)

Year 2000 Marine Corps Birthday Message
By Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig

The service of American Marines for two and a quarter centuries has been marked by uncommon valor derived from core values that are behind every success. During Marine Corps birthday celebrations we speak of honor, courage and commitment, and we speak of the demands we place on ourselves to be always there for America. Our missions and our ideals are difficult to achieve. Yet we continue to succeed because America counts on you - as a team, and as individual Marines, from the oldest veteran, to the youngest recruit.

More traditional birthday celebrations are marked with joy in knowing that a birth produced a life of value. Let's take this opportunity to express a similar joy for what we do. The birth of this elite Corps has produced Marines of distinction for two hundred and twenty five years - lives dedicated to defending the Nation, lives lost or forever changed in combat, and lives of immense value to America.

You should take great personal satisfaction in your camaraderie, your solidarity, and in knowing that when the Nation calls you respond unfailingly. There is great joy in knowing that each of you has real, positive impact on people's lives, every day that you serve as a United States Marine. Happy Birthday, Marines. It is a joy for me to serve as your Secretary at this notable point in your history.

Richard Danzig Secretary of the Navy

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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