Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 8th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1900, a specially trained unit of five officers and 40 enlisted forms the heart of a force that lands from the battleships Kearsarge, Alabama (BB-8), and the Massachusetts (BB-2) at Nantucket, Massachusetts.
This is the first exercise in testing the concept of advance base operations.
In 1930, Commandant Neville dies following a severe stroke suffered in March 1930.
In 1935, the first Platoon Leaders Class training camp begins.
This program allows college students who participate in two six-week summer training camps to obtain commissions as lieutenants in the Reserve upon graduation.
In 1940, the Joint War Planning Committee earmarks the 1st Marine Brigade for a projected mid-July occupation of Martinique, the most important of the French colonies in the Caribbean.
The operation is never executed.
In 1944, the 2nd Marine Division passes through the 27th Division and reassumes responsibility for the left flank of the Corps front on Saipan.
In 1953, the 7th Marines, 1st MarDiv “retook” outpost EAST BERLIN, Korea
In 1965, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (2/7) flies in from Okinawa to relieve BLT 3/7, which returns to its amphibious ships.
In 1972, the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines (2/6) is deployed to Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, for potential duty controlling disturbances during the Democratic Party national convention.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!