Good morning Leathernecks, and on this the 19th day of May in the history of our beloved Corps:
In 1910, Marines and sailors from the Paducah go ashore at Bluefields, Nicaragua, to protect American lives and property when revolutionary forces threaten the town.
In 1917, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels offers a Marine regiment for service in France.
The Secretary of War accepts the proposal on 23 May.
In 1918, the Overseas Depot is established at Marine Corps Base Quantico to train units and individual Marines for service with the AEF.
In 1927, the newly reestablished 11th Regiment and VO-4M arrive in Nicaragua to reinforce the 2nd Brigade and help supervise the peace.
In 1945, the 4th and 22nd Marines seize the Horse Shoe, another formidable position just beyond Sugar Loaf.
In 1948, HMX-1 embarks on the carrier Palau (CVE-122) for an exercise.
This is the first time Marine helicopters go to sea.
In 1952, the Fifth Air Force temporarily relaxes strict limits on the number of close air support missions to allow Marine planes to train in this specialty along the front held by the 1st Marine Division.
In 1959, BLT 1/2 and HMR(L)-262 are alerted for deployment to Berlin during Communist threats to renew the blockade of the divided city.
They remain on alert through 4 June.
In 1967, during the period 19 through 28 May, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7) and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (3/7) participated in OPERATION DUVAL, search and destroy operation in the Quang Nam Province.
Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas!
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever!
-Richard W. Pettengill, Corporal USMC
And damn proud of it!