Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 4th day of July in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1776, The Declaration of Independence is signed.
In 1800, the Marine Band makes its first appearance in public at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia.
In 1834, President Andrew Jackson ordered green and buff as the Corps’ uniform colors.
In 1840, Commandant Henderson orders a change in the colors of the Marine uniform from green to blue with scarlet facings.
In 1943, anti-aircraft units from the 9th Defense Battalion move forward to New Georgia to support the 43rd Division.
Marine guns on Rendova turn back a sizable Japanese air raid.
In 1945, the 6th Marine Division begins moving from Okinawa to Guam.
The Cape Gloucester and her two Marine squadrons arrive off Okinawa.
In 1946, MAG-31 returns to the United States from Japan.
In 1947, The 1st Marine Brigade cantonment at Guam is formally named Camp Witek after Private Frank P. Witek, who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the recapture of the island in 1944.
In 1966, during the period 4 July through 27 October, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3), 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines (3/3), 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, and the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) participated in OPERATION MACON, a search and destroy operation for the An Hoa industrial complex in the Quang Nam Province.
In 1967, during the period 4 through 16 July, the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3), 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines (3/3), participated in OPERATION BEAVER TRACK, a search and destroy operation near Cam Lo.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!