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Once a Marine ...... always a Marine.

River Valley Detachment #1248
Fort Smith, Arkansas

"Through this hatch will pass the finest, most respected fighting man in the world: A United States Marine." "All men are created equal, then some become Marines." "The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps." — Eleanor Roosevelt, 1945 "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." — President Ronald Reagan, 1985 "It cannot be inherited nor can it ever be purchased. You and no one alive can buy it for any price. It is impossible to rent and it cannot be lent. You alone and our own have earned it with your sweat, blood and lives. You own it forever — the title: United States Marine." "The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand." — Richard Harding Davis "And they live tradition; the United States Marine bears upon his shoulders the nation's past and the nation's hope for the future." — Hanson W. Baldwin "I proudly served my country in a noble cause. I never faltered. I made personal sacrifices to keep my nation free. Brave Marines of the past are proud of me. I am one of the few and the proud. I am a Marine." "You earned the title 'Marine' upon graduation from recruit training. It wasn't willed to you, it isn't a gift. It is not a government subsidy. Few can claim the title, no one may take it away. It is yours forever." — Tom Bartlett, Leatherneck Magazine "I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer fighting organization in the world." — General Douglas MacArthur, U.S. Army "Come on you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?" — Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly "Adapt. Improvise. Overcome." "Once a MARINE, always a MARINE." "Not as lean, not as mean, but still a Marine." "At Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." — Admiral Chester Nimitz, U.S. Navy "The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they could fight." — Major General Frank E. Lowe, U.S. Army "You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth — and the amusing thing about it is, they are." — Father Kevin Keany, 1st Marine Division Chaplain, Korean War "The difficult we accomplish with ease. The impossible takes a while." "Civilians cannot and will not understand us because they are not one of us. The Corps — we love it, live it and shall die for it. If you have never been in it, you shall never understand it."

Letter from the Commandant

Dear Fellow Marine,

Our Nation is at war — our Corps is at war — fighting a determined enemy bent on terror and domination. Your fellow Marines need your help. Our operational tempo has increased at the same time that the President has authorized the Marine Corps to grow, and it is for this reason that your Corps again needs you — not to return to active duty but to assume an active role in recruiting the next generation of Marines. This kind of help can best be provided by those who have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and that's why this letter is in your hands.

This important task requires the support of all Marines. You are uniquely qualified and strategically positioned to help influence the "influencers" who mentor today's youth. I ask that you, as a Marine, make a personal call to someone within your community — a teacher, a principal, a pastor, a coach — and help them to better understand the nature of our Corps.

Many of our countrymen do not understand that Once a Marine, always a Marine is a phrase that has stood the test of time and is a testimony to the enduring strength of our Corps. The title of Marine is a privilege earned in boot camp, steeled by service to the Nation, and carried with dignity throughout life. We live by our core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment — both as active Marines and as quality citizens after our time in the Corps is over.

We are calling a new generation of Marines to serve. They will carry the battle tested colors of our Corps just as you once carried them — with honor, and with pride. We still Make Marines, Win Battles, and Create Quality Citizens! I ask for your continued commitment to ensure this tradition endures and our proud legacy prevails.

Semper Fi, Marine!

James T. Conway
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps

©2010 Ryan Stockwell for Marine Corps League Detachment #1248
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