happy birthday to them...

so it's true. freedom is not free. but the united states marine corps will pay most of your share.

-- president barack obama, 7.24.09

    (as originally quoted by ned dolan)

happy 235th birthday, marines!

how'd you celebrate yours?

this year,

i spent it in the dirt

instead of in a ball gown,

mostly on the firing range

instead of on the dance floor,

and surrounded by marines in woodland cammies

instead of dress blue bravos.

by no means the fanciest birthday i've had,

but absolutely one of the most rewarding.

semper fi!