Secretary Rice's Message on the 233rd Anniversary of

UNCLAS STATE 105458 FOR POST MANAGEMENT, RSO AND DETCMDR FRANKFURT ALSO FOR CO MCESG REGION 1 CO MCESG REGION 5 CO MCESG REGION 7 AND CO MCESG REGION 8 ABU DHABI ALSO FOR CO MCESG REGION 2 BANGKOK ALSO FOR CO MCESG REGION 3 FRC FT LAUDERDALE FOR CO MCESG REGION 4 AND CO MCESG REGION 9 PRETORIA ALSO FOR CO MCESG REGION 6 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC KMSG SUBJECT: Secretary Rice's Message on the 233rd Anniversary of The United States Marine Corps ¶1. Please post appropriately the following message from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. ¶2. Begin text: On behalf of the Department of State, I extend my best wishes and sincere congratulations to the United States Marine Corps on your 233rd anniversary on November 10. Since the United States Marine Corps' founding in 1775 at the Second Continental Congress, Marines have served with distinction in every American armed conflict and have provided vital humanitarian assistance to millions of needy people around the world. With the authorization of the Marine Security Guard program in 1946, Marines have protected U.S. diplomatic personnel, facilities, and critical information with honor. Over the past year, Marine Security Guards have provided exemplary support and exhibited unwavering commitment to numerous embassies and consulates in crisis situations. In but one example, during violent and unpredictable demonstrations in Belgrade, Serbia, Marine Security Guards valiantly stood their ground to protect embassy personnel and facilities while under direct threat from thousands of protesters. This year the Marine Corps and Department of State commemorated the 10th and 25th anniversaries of terrorist attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in East Africa and Beirut, Lebanon. Despite these tragic attacks, Marines continue bravely to stand watch over the men and women of American diplomacy while also sharing in our losses. Today over 1,400 Marines serve alongside our diplomats at 149 embassies and consulates around the world with absolute, unwavering commitment to our security. Without the Marines, the men and women of the State Department could not succeed in their mission. America proudly recognizes the unique contributions, bravery, and sacrifices of all Marines, and I thank you for your continued dedication and service to our country in the cause of freedom. Semper Fidelis, Marines! Condoleezza Rice End text. RICE