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(soft orchestral music)

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- "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."

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Those were the words of
Admiral Chester Nimitz,

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as he remarked 75 years ago,

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to describe the United
States Marine Corps victory

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on the Island of Iwo Jima.

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For 36 days they battled for every inch

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of that hallowed soil against
a hidden and desperate enemy,

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from the volcanic sand beaches

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to the heights of Mount Suribachi,

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where they raised the flag of our nation

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for the world to see.

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And you've held it aloft ever since.

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Since your inception on this day in 1775,

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you have been America's
force in readiness.

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Prepared for every climb and place.

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From the past heroes enshrined here

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at the National Museum of the
United States Marine Corps,

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to the men and women
standing the watch today,

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the unbroken line lives on in each of you.

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As we transform our
force to meet the demands

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of the 21st century,

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I am confident that you will
continue to lead the way

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for our nation and for our world.

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Each of you who serve today
must innovate and redefine

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what it means to be warriors
from the sea tomorrow.

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Surrounded at all times by the strength

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and spirit of yesterday.

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The technology and tactics may change,

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but the need for principled
leadership under fire

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will always remain a constant.

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That's why on this 245th birthday

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of the United States Marine Corps,

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I am announcing that the next
expeditionary sea-base vessel

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that will deploy Marines of the future

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will be named for a
Marine hero of the past.

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A leader who truly
embodied our core values

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of honor, courage and commitment.

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To honor the remarkable
Vietnam generation,

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ESP6 will be named USS John Canley.

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Gunnery Sergeant Canley led his men

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through the Battle of Hue City,

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going above and beyond the call of duty,

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as he carried wounded Marines
to safety and drove the enemy

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from a fortified position.

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His courageous actions resulted

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in the award of the Medal of Honor,

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as well as the enduring
gratitude of our entire nation.

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Sergeant Major Canley continues
to serve his community

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and our Marine family today.

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Exemplifying all that has
made our service strong

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and our nation thrive
for our first 245 years.

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It takes a special person
to assume leadership

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in the face of chaos.

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It takes character to put yourself

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into harm's way for your fellow warriors.

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It takes professionalism
to remember your training

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and execute without rushing
or faltering under fire.

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In short, it takes a Marine.

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So to all who have ever worn the uniform

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of the United States Marine Corps,

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all the families who've served alongside,

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and all who carry the honor today,

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Happy birthday and thank you
for your service, Semper fi.

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(orchestral music ends)