Thanks from the Marines

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The following letter was sent to residents of

Newport Beach to be read at last week’s Speak Up Newport Mayor’s

Dinner. The Newport Beach City Council has adopted the 1st Battalion,

1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton during the ongoing war in Iraq.

It is my distinct honor to commend the Newport Beach community for

its continued generosity toward the Marines and sailors of the 1st

Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment.

Your “Salute to the Troops” is far more than the theme for this

year’s Mayor’s Dinner; it is the quality consistently displayed by

the enduring support given to our Marines and their families by the

citizens of Newport Beach.

As the members of Speak Up Newport gather for this gala, there is

cause for celebration.

Marines and our brethren in the sister services are performing

superbly in the global war on terror.

As you well know, this service comes at a price -- while much of

the nation is justifiably proud of the performance of our Marines

overseas, there are many Marine family members who are shouldering a

heavy burden here at home.

The support of the American people, epitomized by the unwavering

generosity of the Newport Beach community, is a cherished and

irreplaceable ingredient in keeping our morale high.

My wife, Silke, joins me in extending our heartfelt thanks to the

entire city of Newport Beach.

Each of you should take justifiable pride in your contributions to

our Marine Corps family -- your patriotism is a continuing source of

inspiration.

Semper Fidelis,

M.W. HAGEE

General

U.S. Marine Corps

Commandant of the

Marine Corps