Wishing the Marine Corps a Happy 229th Birthday

Three institutions made me what I am today: the Roman Catholic Church, my family, and the United States Marines. The latter is turning 229 today, which is a cause for celebration among Marines around the world.
At the moment, Marines in Fallujah are celebrating by demolishing a snake pit of oppressive murderers. By all accounts, they are doing well, and one more chapter of our history is being written. The Marine Corps has never lost a battle in its entire history, and it will not now.
Long before I went to war, I thought about the kind of person I would want by my side if I were in combat. I figured I’d want a bunch of ruthless killers around. Not amoral murderers, but men who were at peace with themselves and well-trained to react correctly. A moment of mortal danger isn’t the time for self-doubt or philosophizing.
It’s a good feeling to be around hundreds of men whom you’ve never personally met, but who would crawl through a hail of bullets to drag your wounded body to safety. Which is why I’ll forgive my brother Marines for their occasional crudities and failings.
Happy birthday, Marines. I wish you safety, and above all, victory over the unjust. I wish I could be there with you.