Marines

Speeches and Transcripts

Flag of the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps

Headquarters Marine Corps

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.

Marine Corps Association Annual Meeting

Bottom line upfront: We are moving ahead on Force Design. But make no mistake, we are in perhaps the most difficult phase – implementation. Looking back, we have come a long way in a short amount of time. From Talent Management, to Installations and Logistics, to Training and Education, the team has made great strides. At the same time, there is still much to accomplish.

Cpl. Collart Navy Marine Corps Medal

The service and dedication of Captain LeBeau and Major Lewis, like Corporal Collart’s, will never be forgotten. On August 27th, 2023, during Exercise Predator’s Run, Corporal Collart was serving as the crew chief aboard an MV-22 Osprey. The mission was part of a combined U.S.-Australian exercise in northern Australia. An exercise that is essential to the strength and readiness of our forces and our alliance.

Cpl. Heller's Navy Cross Ceremony

It’s not often we get the opportunity to correct an oversight nearly 60 years old – and to honor a Marine who so exemplifies the courage and commitment that define our Corps. Corporal Daniel Heller’s actions on February 13, 1969, were extraordinary. And it’s time we give them the recognition they deserve.

Gen. Gray's Funeral

His legacy and impact on our Corps, the deep and meaningful relationships he formed with many gathered here today, his embodiment of the “Marine’s Marine,” and his lifelong and honorable service to our nation. No words I can speak today will fully capture the significance of Al Gray’s legacy, but that legacy is incomplete without first recognizing the love of his life Jan.

DC Fire and EMS Awards

Tonight, we’re honoring the fine men and women who saved my life, and First Sergeant Battershall’s. And as the Commandant, I am fortunate to have a platform from which I can give you the thanks and appreciation you so very much deserve. But mine and First Sergeant’s are hardly the only stories of bravery and heroism to tell about DC Fire and EMS. And the more I learn, the more I see kindred spirits between our Marines, and our brave first responders. They are two groups who would – and have – laid down their lives for their friends or complete strangers.

Commandant of the Marine Corps