A Big Day for the Marines

Today is birthday #234 for the U S Marine Corps, one of the more unique branches of our military. And, furthermore, NCIS viewers will recognize it as the birthday of our favorite marine gunnery sergeant, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The jarheads as they are known by some, began their storied history on November 10,1775 before there was an official United States.

Captain Samuel Nicholas formed the first 2 battalions of this elite fighting force that is today known for many things. One is the motto, never leave a man behind. Another is the unique emblem of the globe , trident and anchor. This signifies land, air and sea; any way necessary, the Marines are there.

I remember as a kid hearing the Marine Corps hymn and being fascinated by the Halls of Montezuma and the shores of Tripoli without even knowing what they meant. The more I learned the better it got. Just one thing about that. The shores of Tripoli refer to the  first Barbary War of the very early 19th century and our young nation’s first battle with pirates. Marines under the leadership of  Lt Presley O’Bannon stormed ashore at Derne,Tripoli( now Libya) in the first battle fought by American troops on foreign soil. Interestingly, the sword used by Marines today is modeled on one given to  Lt O’Bannon by the rightful heir to the throne of Tripoli.

They aren’t  the largest branch of our Armed Forces although they may be the most colorful, opinion of course. So, on the day before Veterans Day, we respectfully say Semper Fi to marines everywhere.

Pizza,Pizza,Pizza

I really enjoy pizza and I have my pizza favorites as do most people. It seems that the President does as well and that is all well and good. One slight catch though. His favorite pizza is in St Louis, 860 miles from Washington. Is this a problem? The answer of course is no. Just fly the man, Chris Sommers, and his fixins to the White House and have at it. By the way, Mr Sommers’ Pi Restaurant is known for its deep dish and thin crust creations.

Meanwhile, there is this little matter of the Somali pirates, what to do, what to do? Does this sound familiar,”From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli” ?

By the way, this pizza maker does trumpet his commitment to the environment. So, did algore approve this carbon footprint or what? Perhaps he was invited to the dinner. I think the New York Sun has a great line- “pie in the sky”. Better get busy Dominos and Pizza Hut. The competition is not local anymore.