Monday November 10th 2008 will be the 233rd Marine Corps Birthday.

Tenth day of November

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Happy Birthday Marines,

Semper Fi,

Gunny Montes

The Moving Wall will be on display for six days at

Bayfront Park

301 North Biscayne Boulevard

Miami, FL 33132

From 11/06 - 11/11 in Miami, FL

Replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial

"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. When John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built The Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

A "Sponsor" is any organization or group of individuals that wants The Moving Wall to visit their area and is willing to do the work to make the local arrangements as described in "Scheduling a Visit of The Moving Wall." Sponsors are frequently civic groups, schools, or veterans' organizations. Sponsoring normally requires months of planning by dozens of local volunteers.

"IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR. THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND OF THOSE WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE TAKEN FROM US."

Preamble of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Click Here to go to Virtual Wall Tour

This Veterans day come visit the Vietnam Veterans Wall at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami near Bayside.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Montes

Combat Veteran

Remember Veterans Day - November 11

By law, Veterans Day is set aside to honor our nation's military veterans both living and dead, who served in time of war.

So on Tuesday November 11 don't forget to take a moment out of your day to say a prayer for the men and women who make this country great.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The focal point for national observance is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. At 11:00 am on 11 November, a color guard that includes all military services executes "Present Arms." The President of the United States lays a wreath upon the tomb, steps back, and salutes. A bugler plays Taps. A grateful nation has not forgotten.

Marine Rifle Honor Gaurd at Arlington National Cemetery

After four years of carnage in Europe, the giant cannon finally fell silent. At 11:00 am on 11 November 1918 (the eleventh hour, of the 11th day, of the eleventh month) the Allies and Germany signed an armistice. The Great War, The World War, The War to End War mercifully ended. The whole world rejoiced. Thereafter the eleventh day of November became Armistice Day in most of the western world. In Canada it became known as Remembrance Day.

In the United States, Congress officially recognized Armistice Day in 1926.

Twelve years later it became a national holiday. Unfortunately, three decades and two wars later America realized that world order had been equally preserved by veterans of World War II and the Korean War. So, in 1954 Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President, signed an act which changed the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

In 1968 (the flower-power generation was hard at work again) Congress changed the day of observance to the fourth Monday in October. Veterans Day had temporarily become just another long three-day weekend. The reason for the holiday had been forgotten by many. Fortunately, the public outcry rose steadily over the next ten years. Finally bowing to public pressure, Congress reversed itself in 1978. (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey)

The eleventh day of November again became the day on which Americans observe Veterans Day.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY from a veteran to all.

Semper Fi,

Gunnery Sergeant Montes

Monday November 10th 2008 will be the 233rd Marine Corps Birthday.

In 1921 the famous Gen. John A. Lejeune; 13th Commandant, issued Marine Corps Order. In that order he directed that all Marines on 10 November of each year to honor the founding of the Marine Corps. Thereafter, 10 November became a unique day for U.S. Marines throughout the world.

History of 1^st Formal Birthday Ball

The first "formal" Birthday Ball took place on Philadelphia in 1925. First class Marine Corps style, all the way! Guests included the Commandant, the Secretary of War (in 1925 the term "politically correct" didn't exist; it was Secretary of War, not Secretary of Defense), and a host of statesmen and elected officials. (excerpt from Warrior Culture of the U.S. Marines, copyright 2001 Marion F. Sturkey) Prior to the Ball, Gen. Lejeune unveiled a memorial plaque at Tun Tavern. Then the entourage headed for the Benjamin Franklin Hotel and an evening of festivities and frolicking.

Cake-cutting Ceremony

Over the years the annual Birthday Ball grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. In 1952 the Commandant, Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., formalized the cake-cutting ceremony and other traditional observances. For example, Marine Corps policy now mandates that the first piece of cake must be presented to the oldest U.S. Marine present. The second piece goes to the youngest Marine. Among the many such mandates is a solemn reading of the Commandant's birthday message to the Corps.

Tenth day of November

Like the U.S. Marine Corps itself, the annual Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. Nonetheless, one thing remains constant, the tenth day of November! This unique holiday for warriors is a day of camaraderie, a day to honor Corps and Country. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known.

Halloween Safety
There's No Trick To It!

Costumes
Here is some good advice about purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs. Always look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label "Flame Resistant." Flame-resistant fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

* Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists.

Visibility is most important during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen.

Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.

Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes and obstructing vision.

Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible materials.

Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

Tips For Parents About Treats
Even if your child is hungry your children should not snack while they're out trick-or-treating. They should wait until they get home and parents have had a chance to inspect the handouts. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go-don't send them out on an empty stomach.

Tell children not to accept-and, especially, not to eat-anything that isn't commercially wrapped.

When children bring their treats home, discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Decorations
Keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.

Remove obstacles from lawns, steps and porches when expecting trick-or-treaters. Indoors, keep candles and Jack O' Lanterns away from curtains, decorations and other combustibles that could catch fire. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.

Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.

Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.

Pedestrian Safety
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child.

Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Children should not enter homes unless they are accompanied by an adult.

All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street.

Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments or furniture present dangers.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem like fun but they need to know the other side as well-clean up and damages can ruin Halloween. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made.

Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Make sure you set a time that they should be home. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time.

Halloween Safety
There's No Trick To It!