HCR 6-US MARINE CORPS 250TH BIRTHDAY  4:12:33 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6(MLV) Commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. 4:13:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE JUBILEE UNDERWOOD, District 27, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HCR 6 read the following: [Original punctuation provided.] Chair Kawasaki, and committee members, thank you for the opportunity to present House Concurrent Resolution 6, a bill to honor the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, a storied institution that has defended our nation with unparalleled courage and sacrifice since its founding on November 10, 1775. This resolution celebrates the Marines' enduring legacy of service, from the earliest battles of the American Revolution to modern conflicts across the globe. It recognizes their role as America's expeditionary force, always ready to answer the call, whether on land, sea, or air. As we approach this historic milestone, we reflect on the values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the Corps and inspire generations. To capture the spirit of the Marines, allow me to share a few words from notable figures. Eleanor Roosevelt, after visiting Marines during World War II, is often quoted as saying, "The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!" Though some debate the exact wording, her admiration for their spirit is undeniable. President Ronald Reagan, in tribute to their impact, said, "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." This speaks to the profound legacy of every Marine who has served. And from General John J. Pershing, we hear, "The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle!"a testament to the unmatched skill and resolve of these warriors. 4:15:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE UNDERWOOD continued with the summary for HCR 6: House Concurrent Resolution 6 calls for statewide commemoration of this milestone, encouraging Alaskans to honor the Marines' contributions through ceremonies, educational programs, and community events. It is a chance to thank the Marines, past and present, for their sacrifices and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them. In summary, by passing this resolution, we are joining Marines, their families, and friends throughout the nation and the world in celebrating this historic 250th birthday milestone. We also remember those Marines who have gone before us, who have helped shape the nation and the Marine Corps that we have today, many of whom gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation's defense. Let us honor their legacy with the same fidelity they showedSemper Fidelis, always faithful. Thank you. 4:16:01 PM BUDDY WHITT, Staff, Representative Jubilee Underwood, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a presentation for HCR 6 and moved to slide 2: [Original punctuation provided.] The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the U.S. military, established on November 10, 1775, tasked with conducting amphibious and expeditionary warfare, providing rapid-response power projection from the sea, and serving as a versatile, elite force for national security missions worldwide. 4:17:36 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 3, History, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] In 1775, The Second Continental Congress commissioned innkeeper and former Quaker Samuel Nicholas to raise two battalions of Continental Marines. Tun Tavern, managed by Robert Mullan, became the chief recruiting location for the Marines and Robert Mullen, the taverns manager, became the "chief Marine Recruiter" 4:18:47 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 4, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] Father Of Marine Corps  Samuel Nicholas is considered the "Father of the Marine Corps." As the first commissioned officer of the Continental Marines, appointed on November 28, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, he played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the Marine Corps during the American Revolutionary War, organizing its initial recruitment and operations 4:19:24 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 5, and discussed the mission of the Marine Corp: [Original punctuation provided.] Make Marines •Win Battles •Create Quality Citizens Mission Accomplishment is the Foundation of our reputation 4:19:52 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 6 and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] Every Marine A Riflemen  • All Marines are basic riflemen first, regardless of specialty. • 25 percent of enlisted recruit training is dedicated to rifle marksmanship • TBS trains officers to be infantry platoon commanders • Our history is full of examples of pilots, logisticians, & administrators assigned infantry duties. 4:20:11 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 7, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] 170,000 In 2024, The USMC has active-duty members 33,000 Personnel in reserve. 4:20:21 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 8, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] How To Observe Marine Corps Birthday  Visit the Marine Corps War Memorial • The iconic statue, located between Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., depicts six Marines raising a U.S. flag on a mountaintop during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Reach out to a Marine • Reach out to them and remind them how you appreciate the hard work they have done for their country. Get together with your old Corps buddies • Try to organize a gathering with your fellow Marines to catch up and collectively appreciate your time served. 4:21:28 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 9, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] A ball and a cake cutting ceremony  So thoroughly baked into the system of the Marine Corps that it's written into the official manual is the cake-cutting ceremony. Done with the same respect for tradition and order as a 21 gun salute, the cake cutting was formalized in the Drill Manual in 1956. 4:22:06 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 10, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] Musical And Events In addition to a fancy ball and cake cutting ceremony, many birthdays have included a variety of battle reenactments, pageants, musical performances, and even sporting events. 4:22:13 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 11, and discussed the following: [Original punctuation provided.] Reading of marine corps order 47  Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921, issued by Major General John A. Lejeune on November 1, 1921, is traditionally read at every Marine Corps Birthday Ball as part of the formal ceremony to honor the founding of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. The order, which summarizes the history, mission, and traditions of the Corps, was directed to be read annually on November 10 to every command, and this practice has been consistently incorporated into the standardized Birthday Ball celebrations, formalized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. in 1952. 4:22:40 PM MR. WHITT moved to slide 12, and read the following: [Original punctuation provided.] "This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps." John A. Lejeune, Major General Commandant 4:23:48 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON expressed gratitude for the bravery and dedication of the Marine Corps, noting their personal connection through an ex-husband who served, and voiced strong support for the resolution. 4:24:24 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI asked why HCR 6 does not include the Army and Navy since these branches were established before the Marine Corp at the Continental Congress. 4:24:50 PM MR. WHITT replied that, while he could not speak for the sponsor, she did instructed her staff that the resolution would be central to the Marine Corp and that other branches of service, if represented in the building, would do likewise. CHAIR KAWASAKI quipped that some members may have dropped the ball. 4:25:21 PM SENATOR YUNDT conjectured that the focus on the Marines might relate to the branch's 250th birthday. 4:25:31 PM MR. WHITT opined that with the semiquincentennial, many military branches are celebrating anniversaries as most were established around the same time. 4:26:02 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI held HCR 6 in committee.