Friday, September 07, 2012

Dempsey Honors Heritage, Families at Marine Corps Gala



By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff praised the Marine Corps and thanked military families for their sacrifices in supporting service members during remarks last night at the Marine Corps Association and Foundation’s professional dinner here.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey acknowledged the significance of the Marine Corps’ history and heritage as the service nears its Nov. 10 237th birthday observance.

“Only the Marine Corps has in their motto ‘Semper Fidelis’ – a value … called faithfulness, always there,” Dempsey said. “And only the Marine Corps has in their hymn the phrase, ‘to keep our honor clean.’ In the world in which we live and are going to live, our commitment to those values has never been more important.”

And along with support from public, private and veteran partnerships with the Defense Department, the chairman said, service members’ families contribute to mission success and deserve the nation’s thanks.

“All of our families … have suffered, but have become stronger … because of the experience,” Dempsey said. “We can’t ever forget how important it is to thank them, not to take them for granted, [and] to keep recognizing that they are sacrificing every bit as much as we are.”

Having just returned from London, where he led the U.S. delegation for the 2012 Paralympic Games, Dempsey said he was humbled by the dedication of athletes he met there. Their enthusiasm and the same drive he sees in today’s service members, he added, gives him hope for the future.

“We’re going to be OK, because as a nation we continue to attract incredible young men and women in service to the nation,” the chairman said.

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