WHEATLAND — Local marine corps veterans gathered Friday in Wheatland as part of the requisite traditional celebration of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps 248 years ago by the Continental Congress in preparation for the Revolutionary War. All marines are welcome to come to the dinner that includes a bit of ceremony and the reading of General LeJeune and the Commandant’s birthday messages. 

“When we got off the bus at the marine barracks, we were told to put our feet on the yellow footprints painted there. From the time you step into the yellow footprints, you become a marine. We never quit being Marines,” Dakota Vlach said. 

In an official memo years ago, it was stated the term “former marine” is no longer applicable in the U.S. military, “Gunny” Nick Schwab explained after those gathered verbalized a general agreement that no matter where you go, marines always find each other, and that you can always tell who marines are. 

“The marine corps motto, Semper Fidelis, means “always faithful,” said Tony Fuller. “The Marine Corps is the only branch that becomes a fraternity.” 

In part, Gen. Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, stated in his message to all marines in the U.S. this year,  “This legacy of honor, courage, and commitment passed on to us was paid for in sweat, blood, and sacrifice … We stand on the shoulders of these Marines, and we owe it to them to earn our title “Marine” each and every day …We ask that every Marine - active, reserve, and veteran - honor the legacy of those who went before us by continuing to uphold our high standards.”