Marines

Speeches and Transcripts

Flag of the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps

Headquarters Marine Corps

Marine Corps Association Ground Awards Dinner

Let me start with the infantry. Our Corps has always drawn its soul from the infantry. We say “every Marine a rifleman” for a reason. It's not a recruiting slogan. It’s a truth baked into our bones.

Statement of General Eric M. Smith Commandant of the Marine Corps on the posture of the United States Marine Corps before Congressional Defense Committees

Chair, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to

Modern Day Marine Keynote Address

We’re modernizing with a clear purpose: to keep Marines lethal, survivable, and one step ahead of the enemy.

Modern Day Marine Congressional Breakfast Keynote Address

The Marine Corps has long shared a close and trusted partnership with Congress—one built on shared commitment to the defense of our Nation and a mutual understanding of the responsibility we carry together.

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation 250th Anniversary Gala

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.Trish and I are honored to be here with you tonight for this

80th Reunion of Honor Ceremony at Iwo To

Eighty years ago, this island was a crucible of war. Approximately 25,000 U.S. Servicemembers were killed or wounded and more than 18,000 Japanese soldiers perished in only 36 days. The men who fought here—American and Japanese—endured unimaginable hardship and faced impossible odds, yet neither faltered.

Defense Writers Group Discussion

The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, talks with journalists from the Defense Writers Group at the Fairmount Washington Hotel in Washington D.C. on Jan. 15, 2024. General Smith answered questions corresponding to the state of the Marine Corps and how the branch will adapt to an evolving battlefield.

Marine Corps Birthday Worship Service

As we celebrate our 249th birthday here today, we are reminded of the meaning of our motto: Semper Fidelis, the significance of our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and the importance of spiritual fitness – finding “Inner Strength From Higher Purpose” in our lives as Marines.

Pentagon Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting

This ceremony might be focused on the Marine Corps, but everyone here answered the call to serve. Thank you for your continued dedication to our common cause and for your support of Marines everywhere. I am truly honored to stand in front of you here this morning as we celebrate the founding of our Corps. And with it, a warfighting ethos now 249 years old, one year older than our country’s declared independence from Great Britain.

Department of State Cake Cutting Ceremony

Thank you for being here. I also want to express my gratitude to the many Marine Corps veterans who continue to serve within the Department of State. You continue to make our Corps proud. You swapped your camouflage for suits, but your dedication to service went with you. Our ethos is something that does not change with a uniform – it’s part of who we are as Marines. It’s a true pleasure to be here with the men and women of the State Department and Foreign Service who serve alongside our Marines in every clime and place.

Commandant of the Marine Corps