We have a saying in the Marine Corps and that is 'no better friend, no worse enemy, than a U.S. Marine.' We always hope for the first, friendship, but are certainly more than ready for the second.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the dual nature of Marines as loyal friends and formidable enemies.
John F. Kelly's quote reflects the strong camaraderie that exists among Marines, highlighting their deep loyalty and commitment to one another. It also acknowledges the fierce determination and readiness to confront adversaries when necessary, suggesting that the qualities that make a Marine a great friend also make them a formidable opponent. This duality encapsulates the ethos of the Marine Corps, where honor and duty intertwine with personal bonds.
In practice
During a military ceremony, a speaker might quote this to emphasize the bond between service members.
Those with less of a sense of service to the nation never understand it when men and women of character step forward to look danger and adversity straight in the eye, refusing to blink, or give ground, even to their own deaths. The protected can't begin to understand the price paid so they and their families can sleep safe and free at night.
Unless confronted by an immediate, visible, or uncomfortable crisis, our nation's tendency is to take the security of the Western Hemisphere for granted.
The one thing I was always told is you absolutely have to tell truth to power. Whether you're a second lieutenant working with a captain and a lieutenant colonel, or a four-star general working with the Office Secretary of Defense and the White House, the decision makers have got to have ground truth.
Whether you're a second lieutenant working with a captain and a lieutenant colonel, or a four-star general working with the Office Secretary of Defense and the White House, the decision makers have got to have ground truth. Otherwise, the decisions they make could be flawed - and that can be dangerous.
Since 1945, no one in the U.S. military has liked the end result of the military conflicts we've been in: Vietnam, Korea, certainly Iraq, and probably Afghanistan. But in a democracy, you salute.
One day, you'll get out of the Marine Corps; you'll put your uniform up, but you'll never not be a Marine.
In the end all books are written for your friends.
Be sure to put the knocker fairly low on your door in case a very small friend drops by.
Yes, Harry Potter!” said Dobby at once, his great eyes shining with excitement. “And if Dobby does it wrong, Dobby will throw himself off the topmost tower, Harry Potter!” “There won’t be any need for that,” said Harry hastily.
Friendship is nothing else than entire fellow feeling as to all things human and divine with mutual good-will and affection; and I doubt whether anything better than this, wisdom alone excepted, has been given to man.
It is like taking the sun out of the world, to bereave human life of friendship.
Only solitary men know the full joys of friendship. Others have their family; but to a solitary and an exile, his friends are everything.
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