All Marines, sailors and civilian Marines, regardless of sexual orientation, are Marines first. Every Marine is a valued member of our war-fighting team.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that all members of the Marine Corps are valued equally, regardless of their sexual orientation.
James F. Amos highlights the importance of unity and inclusiveness within the Marine Corps. By stating that all Marines, regardless of their sexual orientation, are first and foremost Marines, he reinforces the idea that duty and camaraderie transcend personal identities, creating a cohesive and strong fighting team.
In practice
In a speech during a veterans' event to promote inclusivity and camaraderie.
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.
Fear is a greater evil than evil itself.
Part of me wonders if I had worked with more female psychologists, nutritionists and even coaches, where I'd be today. I got caught in a system designed by and for men which destroys the bodies of young girls.
I rose too high, loved too hard, dared too much. I tried to grasp a star, overreached, and fell.
I don't even call it violence when it's in self defense; I call it intelligence.
There are people who prefer to look their fate in the eye
I refuse to allow prejudice to defeat me.
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