For others, the celebration on the day of the founding of the Marines in a Philadelphia tavern — Nov. 10, 1775 — has been part of their makeup for many years.
It was the dedication of the Corps in its 23-plus decades of existence that retired Marine Col. Sean Del Grosso spoke about to more than 400 people at a birthday ball at The Palms.
 Retired Marine Col. Sean Del Grosso, left, and Fort Huachuca Marine Corps Detachment commander Capt. Benjamin Heredia prepare to march off at the end of the opening ceremonies at Saturday’s 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps at The Palms. Del Grosso was the guest speaker at the event. (Bill Hess-Herald/Review) |
It was a night of pageantry, as young Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Detachment on Fort Huachuca marched out in period uniforms, displaying the Corps eras of service, from the Revolutionary War to the current war against terrorism.
The annual birthday cake was cut, and the oldest active duty Marine on the post, Lt. Col. Davin Keith of the Joint Interoperability Test Command, and the youngest, Pfc. Justin Allen, 18, each ceremoniously ate a piece, representing all Marines in the audience.
The connecting traditions of the Corps makes it strong, the guest speaker said.
Throughout America’s history, men and women have answered the call to duty and 42 million Americans have served in the Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, Del Grosso said.
During the nation’s history more than a million service members have lost their lives and millions more have been wounded, he added.
But, today, fewer younger people are volunteering to serve, the retired colonel said.
There were lines outside recruiting stations during World War II. Today it is only a “slim slice” of people who try to enlist, Del Grosso said.
There are too many in the country “who want to sit it (the current war) out,” he said.
Even if a person wants to be a Marine, they have a hard road to travel before they earn that title, the retired officer said.
The need for well-trained and dedicated warriors to protect the United States cannot be understated, Del Grosso said.
“Like it or not, America is engaged in and winning, I repeat winning, this war,” he said.
The enemy is merciless, and if the enemy could they would inflict a Sept. 11, 2001, every day on the United States, Del Grosso said.
He was born in New York City and was commissioned after graduation from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
He has a master’s degree in international relations and completed his doctoral studies in modern Far East history. Since retiring from the Marines and civilian industry, he has taught university-level Chinese and Asian history and is a frequent speaker and lecturer on Asian politics and government.
Del Grosso served in Vietnam and other global hot spots during his career.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals with combat V, two Defense Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Meals with combat V and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat V.
Del Grosso said there is one thing about Marines — they don’t suffer from an identity crisis. Each Marine will willingly die for a buddy and will never shame the Corps.
“To each retired Marine and those of this generation, happy birthday, take care of each other and long live our Corps,” he said.
HERALD/REVIEW senior reporter Bill Hess can be reached at 515-4615 or by e-mail at bill.hess@svherald.com.
