2025 House Resolution 134

Whereas, The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 10th, 1775, in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War, prior even to the founding of the United States; and

Whereas, The greatest weapon on earth is the Marine and his rifle; and

Whereas, The Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis, Latin for “Always Faithful,” reflects an eternal and collective commitment to success in battle, the progress of our Nation, and the steadfast loyalty each Marine has to the Marines they fight alongside; and

Whereas, The Marines have exemplified the highest standards of honor, courage, and commitment, and continue to forge this legacy of bravery and selfless dedication to our nation and its Constitution today; and

Whereas, Marines have exhibited exemplary bravery and sacrifice in defense of our freedoms in countless battles throughout our nation’s history; and

Whereas, The nickname “Devil Dog” was bestowed upon the Marines by German soldiers at the Battle of Belleau Wood in June of 1918 due to the menacing appearance of Marines as they attacked a hill occupied by German forces; and

Whereas, The Blood Stripes worn down the outside leg seams of trousers on the dress uniforms of Marine Officers, Staff Noncommissioned Officers, and Noncommissioned Officers commemorate the courage and tenacious fighting of the men who fought in the Battle of Chapultepec in September of 1847; and

Whereas, The nickname “Leatherneck” was also bestowed upon the Marines in reference to the leather stock once worn around the neck by Marines to protect from slashing blades and to keep the head and neck erect when in uniform; and

Whereas, The Mameluke Swords carried by Marine Officers represent a rich legacy of fighting by those who our Nation trusts to win, after a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa presented the sword to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805; and

Whereas, The NCO Swords carried by Marine Noncommission Officers and Staff Noncommissioned Officers were first bestowed to Noncommissioned Officers by the 6th Commandant, Colonel John Harris, in recognition of their leadership in combat; and

Whereas, The fighting spirit of each and every Marine continues to flourish and ensure the defense of our nation against enemies both foreign and domestic; and

Whereas, Michigan has a proud history of contributions to the Marine Corps. In 1922, Detroit became home to a volunteer Marine Corps Reserve company, laying the foundation for what would become the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines; and

Whereas, The 1st Battalion, 24th Marines distinguished itself in pivotal World War II battles, including Kwajalein, Tinian, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. They continued their valorous service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During their deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines played a pivotal role in counterinsurgency operations, contributing to the stabilization and rebuilding efforts in the region; and

Whereas, The 1st Battalion, 24th Marines is headquartered at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township and has companies throughout the Midwest, including Battle Creek and Lansing; and

Whereas, Corporal Duane E. Dewey, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War where he instinctively shielded his fellow Marines by throwing himself onto an enemy grenade that came close to their position. Despite being injured in a recent night attack, Cpl. Dewey absorbed the full blast to protect those around him; and

Whereas, Private First Class Dewayne T. Williams, a Michigan Marine, displayed extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice during a firefight with enemy forces, shielding his fellow Marines from a grenade blast by throwing himself on it, saving their lives at the cost of his own. Pfc. Williams was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his valor above and beyond the call of duty; and

Whereas, Corporal Harold Schultz, a native of Detroit, was later identified as one of the six Marines who proudly raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima, a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of our Marines in World War II; and

Whereas, The steadfast commitment, courage, and sacrifice of United States Marines have made the Marine Corps an indispensable force in defending freedom, safeguarding the nation, and upholding the principles of ordered liberty; and

Whereas, As the United States Marine Corps commemorates its 250th anniversary, it is fitting to recognize and honor the contributions of Michigan’s Marines, past and present, who have played a vital role in upholding the freedoms and values of our nation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps; and, be it further

Resolved, That we express our deepest gratitude to all Marines for their unwavering service and sacrifice.