Governor Greg Abbott marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with a ceremony at the Texas Capitol. The event brought together Texas Marines, service members, and veterans to honor the milestone.
“We must remember that we are the mightiest country in the world because we have the mightiest military in the history of the world,” said Governor Abbott. “Marines play a crucial role in the story of our people, protecting our rights and liberties for a quarter of a millennium. On this momentous 250th birthday, we salute our Marines past and present who embody their timeless motto, semper fidelis.”
During the ceremony, Governor Abbott presented retired USMC Colonel Joe McPhail with a Texas flag that had flown over the Capitol and issued a proclamation celebrating 250 years since the founding of the Marine Corps. The governor and Colonel McPhail then participated in cutting a birthday cake using a Marine Corps Officers sword. At age 104, Colonel McPhail is recognized as the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot. He served two deployments during World War II in the Pacific and another during the Korean War, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Other attendees included USMC Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Dawsley; Chuck Wright, Secretary of the Texas Veterans Commission and Marine veteran; Joe Esparza, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission and Marine veteran; members of Round Rock High School JROTC Marine Color Guard; singer Monty Warden; and Fox 7 Austin anchor Mike Warren.
Additional photos from this event will be provided when available.
