Governor Greg Abbott marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps with a ceremony at the Texas Capitol, attended by 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 event, Governor Abbott honored USMC Retired Colonel Joe McPhail by presenting him with a Texas flag flown over the Capitol and an official proclamation celebrating 250 years of Marine Corps service. The two then participated in cutting a commemorative cake using a Marine Corps Officers sword. At age 104, Colonel McPhail is recognized as the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot; he completed two deployments to the Pacific during World War II and another to Korea, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
Other participants 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 photographs from this event will be made available at a later date.
