C.K. Redlinger’s Speech – Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Last week, we celebrated hundreds of years of combat prowess and fighting efficiency as the United States Marine Corps turned 246 years old on November 10th. I had the distinct honor of being invited as the guest speaker for the Marine Corps League’s Marine Birthday Ball Celebration in South Atlanta, Georgia, Detachment 1196.
My main theme was Hollywood’s love affair with the Marine Corps, and even at the risk of self-humiliation, included my best impressions of Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, Louis Gossett Jr, R. Lee Ermey and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I enjoyed reminiscing about movies such as Full Metal Jacket, The Sands of Iwo Jima, Heartbreak Ridge, An Officer and a Gentleman, A Few Good Men, and others. I even break down my favorite movie, Michael Mann‘s iconic crime saga, HEAT, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as former Marines.
All said and done, we had some good laughs, celebrated Marine Corps traditions, and honored those that have sacrificed for their fellow Marines, Country and Corps. Semper Fidelis and a big “Thank You” to the Marines of Detachment 1196.
You must be logged in to post a comment.