Semper Fi!

“There was a fear when this war started that the current generation might not be able to live up to your traditions, your bravery, your courage, your honor,” said Col. Ivan Glasco, the guest of honor at the birthday celebration.

But Glasco, an Overland Park resident and assistant chief of staff of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, said current Marines have done their part to live up to tradition — the spirit that Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune wanted to memorialize in 1921 when he ordered Marines to celebrate their founding annually.

Glasco held up a photo of 26-year-old Sgt. Cesar B. Ruiz, a San Antonio Marine, who was killed Oct. 31 in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan. Ruiz volunteered to be sent there for a second tour even though he had the option to stay home.

“The current generation can and is living up to your standards — brave, courageous with honor and conviction,” said Glasco, who served in Iraq in 2004. “That’s the present.”

A huge Beers with Demo "Freedom Week" shout-out to the United States Marine Corps which celebrates its 234th birthday today.




Freedom Week/San Diego Beer Week update: K&B Wine Cellars, our home base for observances and festivities this week will be featuring Ale Smith and Stone Breweries this evening.