 was provided by Marine Ben San Diego Marine Corps crew depot San Diego, California. The Marine Corps has played an active role in San Diego history ever since Marines from the sluice before Cyan seized Old Town during the Mexican-American War in 1846. Marines have been stationed at the recruit depot since 1921 when most of the buildings here front were constructed. These buildings, known as the Arcade, were designed by world famous architect Bertram Goodhue. The Arcade is among 25 buildings that have qualified for inclusion on the national register of historic places and are outstanding examples of Spanish colonial revival architecture. Since 1923, more than a million Marines have completed their recruit training here at the Marine Corps recruit depot San Diego and since 1915 at the Marine Corps East Coast recruit training depot at Parris Island, South Carolina. Regardless of where a Marine attended boot camp, you can rest assured that they received the toughest and most physically and mentally demanding recruit training offered anywhere in the world. Some individual techniques and methods may have evolved over the years, but the focus and adherence to our core values of honor, courage, and commitment are as strong today as any time in our history. Today, the Marines of Company C accept the responsibilities to safeguard this proud tradition as they step forward to join this rich heritage. Ahead of them, light bright futures that will no doubt add to the proud marine legacy that they now rightfully claim as their own. Corporal Manny is a four-year-old full-blooded English Bulldog born in Valvera, California on July 9, 2018. He is named in honor of Sergeant Johnny R. Memolito Sr., one of the original 29 Navajo co-tokers who trained in the first all-Navajo platoon here aboard the depot in 1942. Sergeant Memolito helped read the code that the Navajos developed at Camp Elliott, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He became an instructor teaching other Navajo Marines Navajo code. Later, Sergeant Memolito participated in the battle of Iwo Jima where a Marine signals officer stated, had it not been for the co-tokers, we would have never taken Iwo Jima. Corporal Manny continues the tradition of a long line of Marine Corps Bulldog mascots dating back to 1921 when Brigadier General Spendley Butler appointed Sergeant Major Jiggs as the first Bulldog mascot for Marine Corps Barons Quantico. He's being escorted by the Office of Communication Strategy and Operations, Corporal Max Jane Noel. Spiritual development plays an important part in the making of United States Marine. Lieutenant Amy Roof Bryant, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Let us pray. Holy one on this day of great celebration, we give you thanks for these young men of Company C who have earned the title Marine. We give you thanks for the gifts and abilities you have given to each one of them which they now bring to strengthen our Marine Corps. We give you thanks for the drill instructors, company officers, and battalion leadership who have shaped and molded these young men into Marines. We are grateful this day for the families who have supported them every step of their journey, for their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends we give you thanks. We ask, O Holy One, that you be with these new Marines as they continue in their training. Keep them safe and bless them. Remind them to be always faithful to their country, to their core, to each other, and to themselves, just as you, O Holy One, are always faithful. Bless our nation. Bless these new Marines. And God, bless the United States Marine Corps. Amen. Thank you. Please be seated. The commanding general Marine Corp. Depot San Diego welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a Marine. Their graduation from boot camp, approximately 40 weeks each year for the past 100 years, new Marines have departed San Diego for service with units of the Marine Corps around the globe. The primary mission of the Recruit Depot is to provide basic training to recruits in the west of Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The Depot is also home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All their efforts here are geared toward one end, producing America's finest fighting force, the United States Marines. This morning, Company C vs. Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, will form in March in the parade. Following the pass and review, the graduating Marines will return front and center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today's parade is comprised of Marines from the Recruit Training Regiment. The commander of troops is Captain Roberto G. Cruz, Company Commander, Company C, vs. Recruit Training Battalion. The parade agiton is Captain Brian D. Wyckoff, Executive Officer, Company C, vs. Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. The marching units are now being called to attention and the agiton's command, sound agiton's call, will begin today's parade. Marching in today's parade are 501 of the graduating Marines from Company C. Among the 501 of the Marines are two Marines who displayed outstanding performances in two individually graded events. Private Adam T. Hernandez-Lovage from platoon 1041 is the Company High Shooter, scoring a 340 out of 350. Private Anderson C. Lipp from platoon 1046 is the most physically fit Marine, scoring a 300 out of 300 on the physical fitness test and the combat fitness test. They will be receiving awards from Marine Corps Association and Foundation. Present today is the Company Honor Graduates Recruiter, Staff Sergeant Jose A. Lopez. Not present, but still worth recognizing is the primary marksmanship instructor with a platoon high shooting average of 216 for platoon 1045, Corporal UCL Sanchez. Recruit Training is comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines who function effectively in garrison, are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat skills and practice the personal and professional traits which distinguish them as Marines. Examples of these traits are Discipline, the achievement of a state of discipline which assures respect for authority, instant and willing obedience to orders and the self-reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify a Marine. Military bearing consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. Esprit de corps, acquiring the common spirit of the Marine Corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie and the burning desire to work with and for others toward excellence in common goals. For 246 years Marines have fought and won whenever and wherever the nation calls in the harshest conditions over the most brutal terrain and against the most formidable enemies Marines defend the ideals of freedom with grit and tenacity. Though battlefields change and capabilities evolve history proves that true victory comes from the individual Marine with skilled resolve the drive to overcome any obstacle and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, semperfied dullness, decor, country and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat for deployed throughout the world confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty and faithfulness. They are resolved to be most ready when the nation is least ready to defend freedom anytime and anywhere, to stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters, to pay tribute to those who have forged our proud legacy and to honor the families and loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company C today marks the end of the 13-week recruit training cycle. They have marched countless miles at Camp Pendleton and on this parade deck and have been trained as are all Marines as basic riflemen. In addition due to an intensive physical training program their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival aboard the recruit depot. They are Marines qualified to take their places in the ranks of the world's finest fighting organization. The platoons are now being aligned from left to right in order to get them into their exact positions for the parade. The next portion of the ceremony will be our national anthem. We welcome veterans and members of the armed forces to join us in rendering appropriate honors with the military salute. For guests who have not served in the military it is proper etiquette during the national anthem to place their right hand over their hearts and for those in the audience wearing headgear to remove it. Will the guests please rise for the presentation of the colors. Ladies and gentlemen our national anthem thank you please be seated. Following the command parade rest the parade agitin will give the command sound off which signals the band to parade forward of the assembled Marines while playing military marching music. The parade agitin now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. Officer center march all unit commanders and guide on bearers march to the front and center of the formation. Historically it was at this point that commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this the unit leaders would face about return to their units and pass the information along to their Marines. Throughout our nation's history millions of men and women have earned the title United States Marine. Many who have helped shape our history join us here today in keeping with the tradition of once a marine always a marine we would like to recognize them. At this time those in the audience who have served as Marines please rise. Ladies and gentlemen a round of applause for their dedicated service to core and country. Thank you please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen the battalion commander for first recruit training battalion Lieutenant Colonel Gregory A. Grayson. Good morning ladies and gentlemen on behalf of our commanding general Brigadier General Morris and the regimental commander Colonel Jones welcome to Marine Corps recruit Depot San Diego and the graduation ceremony for Charlie Company. I'd also like to extend a special welcome to today's parade reviewing official Colonel Colonel Winters who currently serves as the commanding officer for Marine Air Control Group 38. Welcome sir. Ladies and gentlemen the purpose of today's ceremony is to recognize these new Marines and everything they've accomplished. Their journey began 13 long weeks ago when they stepped on the yellow footprints and committed to becoming Marines. They arrived as individuals perhaps a little unsure of their decision but stand before you as a confident team of smartly disciplined Marines. During the past three months we developed their physical and mental toughness they learned essential war fighting skills and they proved themselves to be leaders of character but most of all they came to embrace our core values of honor courage and commitment with a clear understanding that being a Marine carries special trust and confidence and the highest expectations of the American people. Now as you might imagine this awesome and very magical transformation it didn't happen by itself and I'd like to thank those who are involved. First we recognize each Marines journey started long before they got here the foundation of their character it started with you in your homes in your schools in your communities. I want to thank all the parents families and friends as well as teachers and coaches for everything you've done. I assure you that your love and your support was vital to their success so thank you very much ladies and gentlemen for your support. Now I'd like to turn your attention to the Marines wearing the distinctive campaign covers our drill instructors. It's impossible for me to put into words their passion work ethic and commitment from the moment a recruit arrives there's a drill instructor with them 24 hours a day seven days a week. They have spent every waking hour teaching training mentoring and leading these young men. Ladies and gentlemen these drill instructors have made a tremendous and lasting impact on your loved one and I'd be remiss if I didn't also recognize their spouses and their families who sacrificed equally for the benefit of your new Marine. So please join me in a well-deserved round of applause for the drill instructors and families of Charlie Company. Thank you. And finally I'd like to recognize our highly skilled marksmanship martial arts water survival and academics instructors our incredible Chaplin Corman an entire medical team who do an amazing job at ensuring our physical mental and spiritual readiness and of course the dedicated recruiter who saw potential in your Marine. In fact Staff Sergeant Lopez is joining us from San Antonio where he recruited today's honor men. Job well done Staff Sergeant keep up the great work. Finally ladies and gentlemen if you'll please excuse me I'd like to address the new Marines one last time as their battalion commander. Good morning Marines! Hey Charlie Company I know it seems like a lifetime ago when you were offered the challenge of becoming a Marine and when you arrived on your buses and stepped on the yellow footprints graduation was the last thing on your mind. You're probably thinking what have I gotten myself into and how do I get these guys to stop yelling at me. Well you had a lot to learn and some very steep hills to climb but you did it. You have rightfully earned the title Marine. Be proud of your accomplishment and the uniform you now wear. And finally as I remarked on your first day of training whether you serve for four years or 24 years remember it's not about you. It's about all the Marines who have gotten before you whose legacy you are now part of. It's about that Marine standing to your left and to your right. It's about all these people in the stands in this great nation which you sworn to defend. So serve with honor serve with courage and serve with commitment and you'll do well. Congratulations again Marines on your tremendous achievement please take care of one another and remain Semper Fidelis. Ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to introduce to you America's newest United States Marines. Taking their position in the reviewing area is today's parade reviewing official Colonel Jeremy S. Winters commanding officer Marine Air Control Group 38. He's accompanied by Colonel Joseph W. Jones commanding officer recruit training regiment. Colonel Jeremy S. Winters commanding officer Marine Air Control Group 38. Colonel Winters graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1998 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He completed training and was designated an aviation command and control officer. Colonel Winters has served in a variety of challenging billets in numerous commands to include platoon commander at Tactical Air Operations Center Yuma, Arizona company commander at Tactical Air Command Center Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38 operations officer and Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38. C3 and Spectrum Warfare Department Head and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics 1. Group Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Marine Air Control Group 28. J3 operations directorate as the problem set lead for Russia and deputy director for information command control communications and computers at headquarters Marine Corps. Colonel Winters currently serves as the commanding officer of Marine Air Control Group 38. Colonel Winters personal awards include the Defense Meritory Service Medal, Meritory Service Medal, Joint Combination Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Combination Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and in 2020 was recognized as the Joint Staff Officer of the Year. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Colonel Jeremy S. Winters. More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 100 years and have departed San Diego for combat in conflicts around the world including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication. Names such as Rattle Canal, Tarawa, Iwo Chima, Pusan, Incheon, Chosin Reservoir, Quezon, Way City, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Volusia, Ramadi, Marja, Sanghen and our most current operations worldwide. This parade deck is rich in history and tradition and no Marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen the commander of troops Captain Roberto G. Cruz, company commander and the regimental staff. Ladies and gentlemen as the national flag passes directly in front of you please rise. Once it passes you may be seated. Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corp. Depot, San Diego, California, Alexander N. Savales, 1043, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Jeremy M. Hill, Color Sergeant, Drill Instructor Sergeant Demarcus Hill, please 1045, Series Commander Captain Mylan M. Morales, platoon 1045, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Dexton J. Plummer, platoon 1000 Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Robert A. Chance. Ladies and gentlemen if you turn to page 21 of your graduation pamphlets you will find the Marine's Hymn. The Marine's Hymn has a history dating back to 1859. It is a long-standing tradition for Marines to face the direction of the music and stand at attention when it is heard. It is now directed that all Marines present and who have served honorably and ladies and gentlemen you are all encouraged to join sing the words to the first verse as Marine Band San Diego performs Anchors Away followed by the Marine's Hymn. Will the guests please rise. His strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributable to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who train and supervise the recruits. The distinct qualities of spirit and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine have been developed, nurtured and ingrained in recruits through their observance and relationship with their drill instructors and officers. Recruit training is the very foundation of the Corps. Each year recruit training provides thousands of America's finest young men and women with a basic knowledge and skills to function and a profession characterized by its own set of high values and tough standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is make Marines. The individual Marine is the Corps. That, graduating today, the long arduous journey of the last 13 weeks is but a small step into the future of the Marine Corps. So for our Corps they do so with unquestionable support with the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Initial training is not over. Soon after graduation they will report to the Supreme California where they will continue to be trained to serve as an effective member of the Marine Rifle Squad. Hence initial training that every Marine undergoes is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every Marine is a rifleman. Ladies and gentlemen at this time we would like to introduce to you the Marines responsible for ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a Marine. The company commander is Captain Roberto G. Cruz. The company first sergeant is first sergeant Alfie L. Sharp. Ladies and gentlemen please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company C. The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the Guidons. The Guidons have been carried by the platoons throughout their training and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of platoons. All similar units in the Marine Corps carry such Guidons which identify the unit and are a source of pride to each individual member. Note that the honor of carrying these Guidons is bestowed upon those Marines who displayed outstanding leadership qualities, motivation and character and were selected as the platoon honor graduates. The platoon honor graduates compete for the titles of series and company honor graduate. They are considered the top Marines graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marine Corps. The Guidons will now be returned to the drill instructors. Alfie presented a plaque by the battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Grayson and the battalion Sergeant Major Sergeant Major Reyes. Ladies and gentlemen please hold your applause until all honor graduates have been recognized. The honor graduate for platoon 1041 and the company honor graduate is Lance Corporal Vincent E. Chapa from Harlingen, Texas. Lance Corporal Chapa is also the recipient of the Chesty Polar Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. The honor graduate for platoon 1042 is Private First Class Chase C. Spears from Texas City, Texas. The honor graduate for platoon 1043 is Private First Class Brendon E. Pradovo from Houston, Texas. The honor graduate for platoon 1045 and the series honor graduate is Private First Class Tabari W. Thomas from Richardson, Texas. The honor graduate for platoon 1046 is Private First Class David I. Workman from Denver, Colorado. And the honor graduate for platoon 1047 is Private First Class Jared C. Hodbrick from Temecula, California. Ladies and gentlemen the honor graduates of Company C. The company first sergeant will now give the command to the senior drill instructor to dismiss their platoons. Needless to say this will be the most welcome command they have received throughout recruit training. Ladies and gentlemen this concludes today's ceremony.