Letter from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

Note: Letter to the Fall of Saigon Marines Association from the Commandant of the Marine Corps (signed by General M. W. Hagee) on our 30th Anniversary April 29-30 1975.

View Actual Letter in PDF form

29 April 2005

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

On behalf of all Marines, it is with great pleasure that I extend greetings to the Officers and Members of the Fall of Saigon Marines Association as you gather together. On this 30th anniversary of the Vietnam evacuation, it is fitting to pay tribute to the military and civilian personnel who so courageously and professionally carried out their duties under extremely trying conditions on that historic occasion. Notable among those individuals were the Marine Security Guards at the United States Embassy in Saigon and at the United States Consulates in DaNang, Nh a Trang, Bien Hoa, and Can Tho.

April 29, 2005 represents not only the 30th Anniversary of the evacuations, but also represents the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Fall Of Saigon Marines Association in honor of your fallen comrades - Corporal Charles McMahon and Lance Corporal Darwin Judge, the last Marines killed in action in Vietnam. Your association has compiled a commendable list of achievements in community service, scholarships, and educational endeavors. Your actions honor the memories of those who gave the last full measure of devotion and remind us again today that we leave no Marine behind. Your demonstrated warfighting skills and continued service on behalf of our Corps and Nation are an inspiration to our current generation of Marines who face their own challenges in the ongoing Global War on Terror. They strive to uphold standards you and other Marines have set and to add new luster to the rich legacy they have inherited.

As you mark this special occasion, know that Marines throughout the globe are grateful for your sacrifices and accomplishments. We are honored to share with you the title of United States Marine. You have my gratitude for you faithful service and my best wishes for continued success.

Semper Fidelis,
M. W. Hagee
General, U.S. Marine Corps