240th
Birthday of the
United
States Marine
Corps
No
better friend, no worse enemy
On 10 November 1775, Captain Samuel Nicholas formed two
battalions of Continental Marines at Tun’s Tavern in Philadelphia as naval
infantry in accordance with a resolution of the Continental Congress. They were to "be able to serve to
advantage by sea when required" and "that they be distinguished by
the names of the first & second battalions of American Marines."
No better friend: someone who will kill to protect you;
someone who will give their life for you; someone who will be right there in
your times of trouble and, thinking of you and your problems, will sacrifice so
that you might get through your problem.
No worst enemy: someone who will not hesitate to destroy
you even if that means destroying himself in the process; someone who will
chase you down to the ends of the earth to extract revenge; someone who will
cause you blood and tears and smile when it happens.
With a Marine as your friend, you have a person who will
kill to protect you. With a Marine as your enemy, you have a person who will
kill you. Pretty simple, huh?
The concept comes from the epitaph of Lucius Cornelius
Sulla, famous general and legendary dictator of ancient Rome:
"No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever
wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full."
Happy
240th Birthday, USMC!
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