Speeches

231st Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps

Remarks by Ambassador John D. Rood

Atlantis Resort
The Grand Ballroom
November 18, 2006

Minister Mitchell, Colonel Cabana, DCM and Mrs. Hardt, Staff Sergeant and Mrs. Taylor, Members of the U.S. Embassy Nassau Marine Security Guard Detachment; special guests; ladies and gentlemen.  Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the anniversary of founding of the United States Marine Corps.

On November 10, 1775 the Continental Congress created a Corps of Marines.  Today, 231 years later we mark that historic event and recognize the individual Marines who stand watch day and night to protect our Embassy.

The Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis” – Always Faithful.  These two words demonstrate the patriotism and professionalism that is the hallmark of the Marine.  Since the early days of our great nation, Marine security forces have escorted diplomatic personnel and defended American embassies.  Today, day after day, Marines live up to the trust that we place on their youthful shoulders -- protecting our diplomatic missions with honor and integrity.
  
Marines not only protect our embassies, they protect our ideals.  And as we all know, fighting for those ideals is not always pleasant.  America’s deeply held beliefs mean nothing if our nation is unwilling to stand up to tyranny and injustice -- if our nation is unwilling to take action to support liberty and justice.   

I want to share a story told by President Bush at the opening of the Marine Museum last week.  It is the story of Jason Dunham, a Marine who shared a birthday with the Marine Corps – November 10.  As far back as boot camp, his superiors spotted the quality that would mark this young American as an outstanding Marine: his willingness to put the needs of others before his own.
Corporal Dunham showed that spirit in April 2004, while leading a patrol of his Marines in an Iraqi town near the Syrian border. When a nearby Marine convoy was ambushed, Corporal Dunham led his squad to the site of the attack, where he and his men stopped a convoy of cars that were trying to make an escape.  As he moved to search one of the vehicles, an insurgent jumped out and grabbed the Corporal by the throat.  The Corporal engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.  At one point he shouted to his fellow Marines, "Watch his hand."  Moments later, an enemy grenade rolled out.  Corporal Dunham did not hesitate; he jumped on the grenade using his body to absorb the blast and protect his fellow Marines.

A friend who was there that terrible day put it this way: "Corporal Dunham had a gift from God. Everyone who came in contact with him wanted to be like him. He was the toughest Marine, but the nicest guy. He would do anything for you. Corporal Dunham was the kind of person everybody wants as their best friend."

          For the Marine, the words honor, courage and freedom are not just words.

We are particularly proud of our Marines here in Nassau.  Each of our Marines represents the best of the Marine Corps.  Each with a heart as big as Corporal Dunham’s.  Our Marines faithfully work to support the Embassy.  While we are far from the field of battle, we are never far from danger.  In troubled times, it is good to know we have friends who are, “Always faithful.”

I want to specifically thank and recognize Nassau’s Marine Detachment:  Staff Sergeant Harry Taylor, Sergeant Phillip Coomes, Sergeant Donald Steedley, Sergeant Christopher Thacker, Sergeant Chad Combs, Sergeant Chong Bae. 

Marines, you are each valued members of the Embassy community. You uphold the Marine Corps highest standards.  You do so much for the embassy community beyond provide security – you offer your home, your time, and your selves for the good of the group.  We appreciate your work with Toys for Tots.  Your hospitality at the Marine House gives us a sense of family and community.  I thank each of you for your service to America and to Embassy Nassau.  As long as the United States has dedicated young men like you it is service, we will remain a great nation never fearing for her liberty.

At this time, I am honored to read a message to you from Secretary of State Condolezza Rice:

“On behalf of the men and women of the Department of State, I offer my warmest congratulations and best wises to the United States Marine Corps on its 231st Anniversary.

You stand at the front lines of the War on Terror, supporting democracy and freedom globally.  You also protect our missions and personnel in the most dangerous regions of the world, for which the Department is especially grateful.  Thank you for your devotion, and your selfless service to your country.  Most importantly, thank you for your crucial contribution to diplomacy.

I stand proudly with all members of the Department of State in wishing you a very happy birthday.

Signed, Dr. Condoleezza Rice”

On behalf of the Secretary and the entire Embassy community that owes you so much:  Happy Birthday, Marines.

 

Semper Fi.