What the Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday means to me
The 250th birthday of the Marine Corps represents a profound milestone in our nation’s history, a legacy defined by courage, sacrifice, and resilience. To me, it symbolizes not just the institution itself but the curiosity and boldness that sparked its inception. It required immense courage to establish something so different, so unyielding in its mission, and even greater courage to carry that mission forward over two and a half centuries.
This milestone means to me generations of shared experiences, pride, confidence, insecurities, fears, and doubts that Marines and their families have endured together. I feel the legacy of unity, growth, and resilience, forged through success, good times, and hardships. This anniversary makes me reflect on the weight of this shared experience, the lives and families shaped and altered by the Marine Corps across many generations and communities.
My journey as a Marine taught me the immeasurable importance of leadership, not just in the field but in life. I’ve had a diverse life journey: from being the son of immigrant farm workers to becoming a Marine Corps tanker, later pursuing a career in engineering, education, elected public office, and now leading a corporate team. The Marine Corps instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a belief that leadership always matters, regardless of one’s role. It’s a lesson that has shaped me both professionally and personally, reminding me that we leave our mark not only on the Corps but on the community around us. I am proud to reflect on its impact on my life and countless others.
About the Author
Salvador Ramirez, was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, son to proud farm workers in Central and Northern California. His Family moved to El Monte, CA, to be closer to grandparents. There He attended local public schools and upon high school graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he stepped on to the Yellow Footprints on August 12, 1990. Sal was a Marine Corps Tanker and is a Desert Shield/Desert Storm Marine Corps Veteran, serving with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms, California. He was responsible for a one 4-man crew of Marines and commanded a M1A1 Battle-Tank. Later in his military career, Sal detached from Tanks and assigned to a high performing Joint Task Force (JTF), performing heliborne operations and reconnaissance as part of a joint counter narcotics task force. He served 2 terms Honorably and ended his enlisted as a Sergeant of Marines.
Sal has an Associates of Science Degree from Rio Hondo Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and is a National Institute of Health Fellow at the University of California, Davis.
