Today is the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps. A special day in our house, and in our life. I've heard the first verse of the Marine Corps Hymn many a time, but when I married Hubby, I sat myself down to learn the words. Fortunately, I can no longer remember the children's song that I used to sing along to it at functions. *Brainwashing works!* :-P
(Click on the link to HEAR and SEE the hymn on You Tube)
From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev'ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job--
The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.
I love the FULL song, and decided to share it here today, as part of their birthday present. The other part is a request... that you stop for a minute or two, and say this prayer, or your own if you like...
We pray,
For Marines in combat overseas
Marines in action around the globe
Marines who love their corps so much, that they will celebrate the birthday, and all its traditions, as best they can in the sandpits they live in, with whatever sweets have been mailed, or whatever they can find in their MRE's
We pray,
For Marines who now "guard the streets of Heaven"
Marines who have given their lives recently,
Marines who will give their lives today
Marines who have given their lives in all the conflicts and wars in the past 235 years
We pray,
For the families of Marines
Families who wait at home while their Marine is deployed
Families who have been separated by duty station
Mom's who will have their babies while Daddy Marine is away
Dad's who's Marine wives fight for our freedom
Children who ache for their Daddy or Mommy and don't fully understand.
Families who pray that they will see their Marine in Heaven someday.
We pray for all Marines, who would willingly give their lives to serve our dear country, that we may have the freedom to do something as simple as publicly ask for voices to join in THIS prayer.
We pray they have a Happy Birthday, with many, many more to come.
Amen.
-
Betsy
