Governor Greg Abbott took part in a ceremony at the Texas Capitol to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. The event brought together Texas Marines, service members, and veterans.
“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 honoring the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. The Governor and Colonel McPhail participated in cutting a birthday cake for the Marine Corps using an Officers sword. Colonel McPhail, age 104, is recognized as the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot and served in both World War II and the Korean War, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Others attending 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’s JROTC Marine Color Guard; singer Monty Warden; and Fox 7 Austin anchor Mike Warren.
Additional photos from the event will be made available at a later date.
