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.”
As part of the celebration, Governor Abbott presented retired USMC Colonel Joe McPhail with a Texas flag that had flown over the Capitol and read a proclamation recognizing the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. Governor Abbott and Colonel McPhail then participated in a cake-cutting ceremony using a Marine Corps Officers sword. Colonel McPhail, who is 104 years old, is noted as the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot and served two deployments during World War II as well as one during the Korean War. He has received 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 the event will be made available at a later date.
