Good afternoon.  Thanks for that introduction, Maestro.

Happy Birthday, Marines!

Before I get going, let me first just say thanks to the band, and to all the Marines and our partners at State who worked behind the scenes to make this happen.  Thank you.

Secretary Blinken, and all of the distinguished guests in attendance – it’s an honor that you took the time out of your day to celebrate the birthday of our Corps, and the close ties that our two services share.  

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.  

Together, we are America’s original expeditionary force. The relationship between the Marine Corps and the State Department reaches back to the very origins of our nation. 

We officially established the Marine Security Guard program in 1948, but Marines have provided security for U.S. diplomats since the earliest days. Our founders understood a fundamental truth: that when representing our country abroad, diplomacy is strengthened by resolve. 

They recognized that a simple message to foreign counterparts could carry weight when reinforced by the presence of U.S. Marines.  As the saying goes, “You can talk to me, or you can talk to these Marines.” I’m not sure who said that, but I’ve always loved that line.

The partnership between Marines and our diplomats has carried forward through history. On the shores of Tripoli in 1805, a detachment of just eight Marines accompanied Consul General William Eaton to defeat the Barbary pirates.

In today’s embassies, Marine Security Guards serve as the first line of defense in places marked by strife and uncertainty.  From Baghdad and Kabul, to Kiev and Beirut, your Marines will always be there by your side as you work to advance our Nation’s interests and promote peace.

But in moments of sudden upheaval – whether it be a coup, civil war, or terror threat – the presence of Marines offers assurance, and stability.  And there is certainly no shortage of turmoil in today’s world.  

It is a reminder of why the Marine Corps maintains its global readiness, ready to respond to any crisis or conflict at a moment’s notice. Our partnership with the US Navy enables that rapid response to crisis. 

The Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked on an Amphibious Readiness Group brings the most flexible crisis response force. Those forces rely on a minimum of 31 amphibious warfare ships to allow Marines to be positioned anywhere in the world. Amphibious warfare ships are the means to project power, respond rapidly, and support our diplomatic missions where and when they need us most.

A fleet of ready amphibious ships ensures that, in times of uncertainty, when diplomacy needs a firm hand, Marines are ready and present to provide that assurance. Whether it’s the sudden onset of conflict, the need for swift humanitarian assistance, or ensuring the safety of our embassies, the ability to respond with speed is essential.

I am committed to the readiness of our amphibious fleet because I am also committed to your mission, and when you need support during an emergency, there is no other capability in the world like a Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked on an Amphibious Ready Group.

To the men and women of the State Department and the Foreign Service who serve alongside our Marines, I offer my deepest thanks.  Your dedication, courage, and service make a difference in ways that may not always be seen but are always felt.  And I know that when I send a Marine to embassy duty, I’m not just sending that Marine to a new place to work.  

I’m sending them to a new home. Thank you for welcoming our young Marines into your communities, and for taking care of them just as they take care of you.  

For that I am truly grateful. Together, we represent one of the oldest and most powerful bonds between the military and civilian services. It is a relationship that will continue to define our presence in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

This partnership is why embassies around the world remain open in places facing terrorism, civil unrest, and natural disasters—because your Marines are there, standing watch, ready to respond. And when things get a little hairy, there’s an Amphibious Ready Group just offshore with a whole lot of their best friends on board.

As we celebrate the 249th birthday of the Marine Corps, remember that this day is about who we are. We honor traditions not just to celebrate, but to reaffirm the values that guide us – whether in uniform or in diplomatic service.

We are united by our shared commitment to peace and security. The Marines will always be there – ready to fight when needed, ready to preserve the peace you work tirelessly to secure.

Thank you for your service, your partnership, and your presence here today.  

Happy Birthday, Marines, and Semper Fidelis.