“Get Your Kicks On Route 66”

I never realized just how many versions of this song existed until I went looking for a video to post. It was done by Nat King Cole, by the Rolling Stones, by Dr. Feelgood, by Diana Krall, by Chuck Berry, by Depeche Mode, and the list goes on and on.

Now I’ve driven on Route 66 in New Mexico, Arizona, and Missouri. I have seen the concrete adobe motel in Albuquerque and have had a concrete at Ted Drewes in St. Louis. The latter is just down the street from my sister-in-law who lives just off of Rt. 66.

I’m going with this version by Asleep at the Wheel because I like the group and I like Texas Swing.

As to why this song is special for me today, I’ll let you guess. Eleven years ago this resonated with me.

Happy 246th, US Marine Corps!

Today marks the 246th birthday of the founding of the US Marine Corps in Tun Tavern.

Think of it – the only armed service founded in a bar.

My friend Lara Smith whose husband Ed served in the Marines posted this on Facebook to point it out.

I always tend to post old recruiting posters in commemoration of this birthday. I found two that caught my attention.

The first from WWII when women were sought to free men to go into combat. Even then, the Marine Corps called these women “Marines” and not “women Marines”.

The second is more modern and reflects the fact that today’s battlefield is not so defined.

I think my friend Amy Dillon, all 4 feet 11 inches of her, would agree as would those recruits she trained as a Marine drill and marksmanship instructor.

Finally, the official birthday video from the Commandant Gen. David Berger.

Finally, to all my friends who have served in the Corps, Semper Fi and thank you.

Happy 243rd Birthday, USMC!

Today marks the 243rd birthday of the founding of the United States Marine Corps at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Even though I come from an Army family, I recognize the role that the Marines have played in protecting our country here and abroad.

Below is the Commandant of the Marine Corp’s birthday message. So to all my friends, new and old, who served wearing the globe and anchor, Semper Fi!

Mentioned in the Commandant’s message is Gunny Sgt. John Canley who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Hue’. If you’d like to know more about his actions as well as the actions of all the Marines who fought to retake Hue’, I’d urge you to read Mark Bowden’s book Hue’ 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam. The hardback is available on Amazon at deep discount ($8.90 as of this posting) which is actually cheaper than the paperback.