"Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the
Department of Defense has approved, endorsed or authorized this
activity."
WELCOME. Have a seat while I make some C-RAT coffee. The smoking lamp is lit!
Welcome to The Foxhole!
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Maintained by SSgt Alvin Rivera, USMC (Ret)
Graduated February 1977 from Platoon 2017, MCRD Parris Island, SC
"That two Battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors & Officers as usual in other regiments, that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no person be appointed to office or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with
maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea."
(Resolution of the Continental Congress, 10 November 1775)
United States Marines.. we have been called grunts, jarheads, gyrenes, devil dogs, leathernecks and many more less flattering epithets. But no matter what
we are called, the undeniable fact is that there are no finer fighters, or human beings, on the planet. Marines form a bond between them that remains unbroken forever. A long forgotten source once said, "Marines do the
brave and heroic things they do out of love for one another. There is no other discernible reason" I challenge anyone to prove that wrong!
When I retired on 30 November 1996, my wife gave me a hat with "USMC Retired" stitched on the front that I wear often. Since then, I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who come up to me and introduce themselves as former or retired Marines. One rather elderly gentlemen managed a hearty "OHHH-RAHHH!". This, to me, is what the "Marine Corps Brotherhood" is all about! For 20 years I served it and I loved it. And now....I miss it.
As a theme for this page, I have decided to dispense with the more common USMC information (i.e. General Orders, Code of Conduct, USMC Hymn, etc) and concentrate on little known Marine Corps history. For instance, of the 34 officers who have served as past Commandants of the Marine Corps, how many were court-martialed?
If there have been 34 Commandants, why does "CMC Row"
at HQMC and any poster that shows their pictures only have 33 photos?
What are the names of the six flag raisers and what circumstances of fate placed them on Mount Suribachi?
The answers can be found here and this is the type of information I intend to publish - little known USMC history. A lot of time and effort has gone into my research but you know what?... I LOVE IT!!
This page is meant to honor every United States Marine - past, present and future. To all who bear the title of United States Marine, I say,
Semper Fi
!
and OOH RAH!
"I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal
loneliness should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold of fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. But most of all I have lived times that others would say are best forgotten. However, I find great comfort in knowing that I can say I am proud of what I was, what I am and what I always shall be... A UNITED STATES MARINE!
(Author Unknown)
(Awarded 28 Mar 01)
Awarded 24 Apr 01
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From The Other Side - A wonderful and moving poem written by a man who rapidly became someone I call "Friend",
APVNV Pat (Beanie) Camunes.
Please email your suggestions and comments to: eaglezfan@hotmail.com.
A Marine Christmas!
Forget the Laurels and the Lore. It's Time
to Tell... The 'Real' Marine Corps Story!
Lieutenant General Chesty Puller: Everyone Needs A Hero!
Resignation of a Commandant: The Story of MajGen George Barnett, 11th CMC!
Court-Martial of a Commandant: The Story of LtCol Franklin Wharton, 3rd CMC!
Court-Martial of a Commandant: The Story of LtCol Anthony Gale, 4th CMC!
The History of the Marine Corps Officers' Mameluke Sword
The History of
Tun Tavern!
The Story of the Marine Corps' Utility Uniform
Murphy's Laws of Combat!
November 6, 1999
The Marine Corps War Memorial: Statistics, Cost and Construction.
The First Flag Raising: The Story of the First Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.
The Second Flag Raising: The Story of the Second, More Famous, Flag Raising on Iwo Jima.
Iwo Jima
Biographies: Biographies of Iwo Jima Flag Raisers.
List of Famous Marines.
01 September 2006
The Corregidor Hymn.
A Look at the Past. A history of the Corps from 1775 to the present.
The History of the
Medal of Honor.
The Few, The Proud, The
Marines! A Story Of Creation.
The History of the Marines'
Hymn!
The History of the Marine Corps'
Birthday Celebration!
"Chesty" The Tale Of The Mascot!
The History of the
KA-BAR! Every Marine's Friend.
Remember When... A nostalgic trip down memory lane.
November 25, 1999
Visit other USMC sites by going to my
'USMC Links' page (click here) or try touring The Band Of Brothers Web Ring below!!
This site is ALWAYS
This page created by Alvin Rivera, USMC (Ret.).
Contents Copyright © 1998 by Alvin Rivera,
All Rights Reserved, USA and Worldwide.
Created 2/7/97. Updated 09/28/07
Animated Bulldog created by, and posted with permission of, Major M.G. Coleman, USMC
Animated Semper Fidelis Banner created by, and posted with permission of, Sgt Craig McAllister, USMC.
Motivation Exchange joined 12/4/97