All Marines, sailors and civilian Marines, regardless of sexual orientation, are Marines first. Every Marine is a valued member of our war-fighting team.
James F. AmosRead
A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine.
Interpretation
Once a Marine, always a Marine; their identity and values remain unchanged despite life changes.
This quote emphasizes the unwavering identity and camaraderie of Marines, suggesting that the experiences and values instilled during their service at a Marine Corps training facility are forever part of who they are. James F. Amos conveys that even if Marines transition to different roles in life, their core essence, discipline, and brotherhood remain intact, illustrating a profound sense of pride and loyalty that transcends rank and years of service.
In practice
In a veterans' gathering, one could use this quote to highlight the enduring bonds of military service.
All Marines, sailors and civilian Marines, regardless of sexual orientation, are Marines first. Every Marine is a valued member of our war-fighting team.
It's better to die laughing than to live each moment in fear.
There is nothing to fear from someone who shouts.
You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.
All of them turned their backs on me at that time because they thought I was a troublemaker.
You will have to make up for the smallness of your size by your courage and selfless devotion to duty, for it is not life that matters, but the courage, fortitude and determination you bring to it.
Nobody wants to be on food stamps, but when my family lost everything, we were grateful for it. I was grateful the program was there so I could concentrate on my schoolwork and not on my empty belly. We were grateful that we had the support we needed to roll up our sleeves and rebuild our lives.
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