Governor Greg Abbott participated 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,” Governor Abbott said. “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 honored USMC Retired Colonel Joe McPhail by presenting him with a Texas flag that had flown over the Texas Capitol as well as a proclamation recognizing the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Governor Abbott and Colonel McPhail then cut a birthday cake using a Marine Corps Officers sword. At age 104, Colonel McPhail is recognized as the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot, having completed two deployments to the Pacific during World War II and one to Korea, 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 JROTC Marine Color Guard; singer Monty Warden; and Fox 7 Austin anchor Mike Warren.
Photos from this event will be made available at a later date.
