On October 18, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth celebrated the Marine Corps birthday by ordering an artillery live-fire exercise, closing miles of a California highway, although his real intent was to interfere with the protests on No Kings Day. It actually rained shrapnel on police cars. The Marine Corps birthday is November 10. I know because as a Foreign Service Officer that is the day the Marine Corps Ball, the social event of the year in Embassies, is celebrated worldwide. It is so special that FSOs usually assume the duties of the Marine Security Guard 24 hours before and 24 hours after that day just so the Marines can celebrate their birthday. Was he confused? Why didn't' the Commandant of the Marine Corps correct Pete, was he cowed, as were other generals and admirals after recently being talked down to by the Secretary? How about about celebrating the recent Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard birthdays? What are they, chopped liver?
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Jerry Lujan
Oro Valley
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