I Am The Marine Corps League
I was born in Washington, D.C. in 1923.
I was concieved to provide inspiration
to my fellow Marines and born to lead men.
I am opportunity to thousands of Marines
and the blood of America runs through my veins.
I am the voice of thousands of Marines who have gone before me saying, "Hold The Banner High"
and who provides the inspiration by which I live today and the courage and dedication
for those who follow me.
I am a fabulous organization of many things and many people.
I am the Indians of
Okalahoma, a Cowboy from Texas,
and a Bright Orange from Florida, a Volunteer from Tennessee, The Sunflowers of Kansas
and the Eskimos of Alaska. The 49ers of California, The Vikings of Minnesota and the
Liberty Bell of Pennsylvania. A Lighthouse from New Jersey and a Georgia
Peach. I am "Toys for Tots", the Scholarship Fund, The Chesty Puller Fund, and the
Young Marines at Harlingen, Texas. I am Devil Dogs, The Auxiliary, Young Marines and Physical Fitness.
I am leadership in action in communities throughout America. I am striving at this very moment to build a
better tomorrow, today. I am meeting tonight in a rustic village, a large city or a tavern in
North Carolina and my own building built with love and sweat. I am a preacher, a farmer, a welder, a lawyer and a laborer.
I am a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu and yes I can be found everywhere you look, in a church,
in a tavern or on a nature trail.
I am many things to many people. I am a letter to a senator and a
ballot in an election. I am a gavel at a staff meeting. I am the joyus cry of victory when I win
and the awful silence of defeat when I lose. I am growing in everything I undertake and I am never a loser. I am
a winner teaching winners to win. I have always been with the Spirit of America. I was the
spirit that would not let Columbus turn back, I was there when George Washington knelt
in frozen prayer at Valley Forge. I was there at the community meeting when Paul Revere said, "I'll ride and tell'em".
I was the spirit that gave Nathan Hale the guts to look 'em in the eyes and say "I regret that I have but one life to give
for my country." I was the group tht gathered scrap metal for F D R. Listened when he said "The only thing
we have to fear is fear itself."
I was already doing for my country when Kennedy said "Ask not what your country
can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country." I was on the boat when Farragut said
"Damm the torpedoes, full speed ahead." I led the fight for the draft when America
needed it. I have made my mark on time with Marines like Alexander Vandergrift,
John A. Lejune, Chesty Puller, Lemel C. Shepard and Lewis Wilson. I move, I travel, I spread Marine Corps League.
I am what is good about America, I believe in God and the Ten Commandments. I believe that all of us have rights, but that
no man has the right to encroach on the rights of others.
Stand proud, walk tall, for I am the Marine Corps League.
I am the Marine Corps League
Copyright 1981
E.T. Brisson
S.E. Division
John Phillip Sousa's
Semper Fedeleis