General John A. LeJeune, declared an order in 1921 stating that it was to be celebrated on November 10^th each year in memory of the thousands of people who have "borne the name Marine." It was on this day in 1775 that a committee of the Continental Congress drafted a resolution, calling for 2 battalions of Marines, able to fight for independence at sea and on shore. It has been celebrated each year since, on this day.

For as long as I live, I will never forget how I felt on that heart wrenching afternoon when, as a high school senior my oldest son came home from school and informed us that he was going to enlist in the Marine Corps. They had just had a job fair at the high school, and of course the different branches of the military had their recruiters there.

"Over my dead body," was all I said. I meant it. The military has to have both parents signatures on a contract if their child wants to enlists before the age of 18. I refused to sign. I did not care about the endless arguments my son and I had. I did not care about being hounded to death by the recruiter.

My husband, who is a career Army man, was out of the country at the time (on Army business), called me up and we had a long talk. He informed me that it was probably time that I cut the apron strings. At one point I needed to let go, and allow him to make his own decisions. After a couple of day, and many gallons of tears, I cut the apron strings and signed the papers allowing him to enlist in the Marine Corps.

When the recruiter came over with the papers, he of course tried engaging in small talk, and I was very obliging, though I did notice that he kept eyeing me. I think he thought I was giving in awfully easy. I could tell he didn't quite trust me. I was nice, and I just smiled.

I got my retribution on the evening that he came to pick our son up for basic training. I tried so hard not to cry, but I couldn't help myself. My husband was being sensitive, and kept the recruiter out in the yard while I said my goodbyes to my son. When my son went into the bedroom to say his goodbyes to his brothers, I went to the screen door and called the dog over. I quietly said our attack word, and she took went out after that Marine recruiter like greased lightening. It was the funniest thing I ever saw, watching this big and tough 6'2" Marine in Class A's scrambling into his car. My son just happened to come through as I let the dog out. I thought he would be mad, but he just laughed, and said, "Mom, I sure love you."

The recruiter and I made our peace when my son got back home from basic training. I told him that I forgave him, but I have 2 more sons and I won't be so forgiving the next time. The Marine recruiters never again came to our home again.

I am the wife of a military man, and have been for 27 years. I know the dangers these people face. When my sons decided to follow in their father's footsteps, I of course, was proud. But the Marine Corps? That has got to be the most dangerous of all of the branches of service. As a mother, I was not quite prepared for worrying about my son the way I always worried about his father.

Semper Fidelis, Latin for "always faithful," is a code that the marines learn to live by. I have already gone through my separation anxieties, and I feel proud that I have been a part of this tradition.

We do not live in a military community, so just about the only thing special going on is a parade honoring all veterans, but you can bet that the Marine Corps will be a part of this.

As part of a free nation, and as a part of free people, I am so thankful for the sacrifices that our men and women in the United States Marine Corps have made. With a grateful heart I say, "Happy Birthday United States Marines."

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(link)November 10th is the Marine Corps birthdayThere has been a Marine Corps since 1775Celebrated every year in honor of those who have borne the name "Marine""Semper Fi" - Semper Fidelis is latin for "always faithful." They are always faithful to the mission at hand, and to each other.