R 131315Z JUN 24
ALMAR 017/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/U.S. ARMY 249TH BIRTHDAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of the United States Marine Corps, I wish the United States Army a happy 249th birthday.
2.  American Soldiers and Marines have fought together for the cause of freedom for more than two centuries around the globe, from the tropical islands of the Pacific to a fortress in central Mexico, and from the snow packed slopes of Korea to the Middle Eastern deserts.  The shared sense of purpose and commitment to the defense of our Nation continues today as Soldiers and Marines of our generation stand together, ready in every clime and place.  As the 250th anniversary of the United States approaches and we look to our shared past with mutual respect, may our bonds tighten and prepare us to face tomorrow's challenges, shoulder-to-shoulder as true comrades in arms, unified in purpose and resolve. 
3.  Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//