Motivation

"Soldiers [and Marines] know what a hero is. They watch them fall, they watch them continue in harm's way, they see heroes stealthily moving in fluid unison towards uncertainty, with no uncertainty. They are the ones who never tell the world how they are changing themselves forever with every push, with every mile and hill, and with every bold promise of sunrise, because those exact a perspective unachievable by the common man. Their reality is to awaken with the knowledge that today is a day through which they may survive. And they must make all necessary preparations to do so. While the world goes about its business, soldiers [and Marines] go about business of a different kind, a kind they are not at liberty to evaluate in terms of right and wrong because their leaders will make those immortal decisions for them. But one thing is certain: There is a great place and it's called home, and every home needs to be protected. Soldiers [and Marines] are holders of a more acute perspective than anyone else because of the stakes involved in their undertakings. Enlightened to life's extreme flanks, soldiers know Hell yet pray to return because they have seen worse. But they also know when things don't get any better. Such certainty is difficult for others to grasp unless they, too, have awakened to the trumpet's blare, weapon's crack, or worse. In competition, winning and losing on the playing surface are clearly definable. But on the surface of the earth, the great protectors measure winning and losing in more extreme units: In the lives of their countrymen, in the lives of the ones standing beside them, and in the lands of their home. And while it's the unforgettable call of home that rings in soldiers' [and Marines'] ears throughout their service, there is a higher call that drives them perpetually forward during times of unthinkable circumstance. Although it offers itself to all, only a sacred few choose to hear, and answer, The Call Of Duty."

From the halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli,

We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea,

First to fight for right and freedom , And to keep our honor clean,

We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine.

Our flags unfurl'd to every breeze From dawn to setting sun.

We have fought in every clime and place Where we could take a gun.

In the snow of far-off northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes,

You will find us always on the job - The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life And never lost our nerve.

If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes,

They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines.