Reps. Knezek, Crawford, Brown, Driskell, Durhal, Geiss, Heise, Howrylak, Kelly, LaVoy, Poleski, Roberts, Segal, Singh, Slavens and Stanley offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 263.

            A resolution to commemorate the 238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps.

            Whereas, On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to raise two battalions of American Marines, thereby establishing that date as the official birthday of the United States Marine Corps; and

Whereas, Since its creation, the United States Marine Corps has served our country with honor, courage, and commitment while protecting our boarders and securing our freedoms through their overwhelming skill and ability in carrying out combat operations on land, sea, and air; and

            Whereas, Since our country has established a position of world leadership, the Marines have proven to be dedicated professionals willing to defend lives of American citizens while protecting the values that define our country; and

            Whereas, The United States Marine Corps, true to its motto of "Semper Fidelis", has served our country faithfully and with profound distinction for 238 years; and

            Whereas, A Marine stands prepared to defend the interests of these United States, to hold their ground against any enemy, foreign or domestic, and is prepared to be located anywhere in the world within 72 hours to serve at the will of the President or when Congress shall designate; and

            Whereas, An enlistment in the United States Marine Corps is like no other. The United States Marine Corps is the only branch of the military that offer no incentives for enlistment and there remains no end date, just a discharge date, to one's time as a United States Marine; and

            Whereas, The oath taken by a United States Marine is for eternity: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” This sacred bond of brotherhood and sisterhood remains deeply engrained in Marine culture, resulting in one of the tightest knit communities of active duty, reserve, and veteran service members; and

            Whereas, Marines will never yield to oppression, never bow to the enemy, never surrender, and will defend our Constitution, our country, and its citizens to the last drop of blood and will never leave a man behind; and

            Whereas, Many Michiganders have earned the title Marine, have fought in campaigns across the world, and continue to serve and fight in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations across the world today; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the  238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. We encourage all Michigan residents to join in celebrating this occasion on November 10, 2013.