 So it's more than just honor or an obligation, it's human nature, it's your family, your brothers, your marines. That's what you do for a brother. You did your duty above and beyond, and you kept the faith with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps that you left. It's like I told Sassarri his job as we're going to either go in there or we're going to die trying. 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9-11. The relationship between December the 7th and September the 11th took place 60 years apart, both by airplanes. It was unexpected, and on December the 7th, again it was unexpected on September the 11th. Who would ever think such a thing happening of all places, the towers in New York? It's unbelievable. People can't comprehend such a thing as happening. I couldn't comprehend such a thing happening in 1941. And I had seen some of the most horrible things that a 20-year-old kid couldn't really ever imagine. And when you see a ship made out of steel, you know the hulls of those ships were 16-inch solid steel? The Japanese built torpedoes, had wood fins and all, so they flowed just two foot under the water. The harbor was only 40 feet deep. At that time I was standing guard by the dry docks. Nobody thought anything except it was just a beautiful day. December 7th, 1941, a date which will live in infamy. When the dust settled, the Japanese attack claimed the lives of 2,409 Americans and left another 1,200 wounded. It don't matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion. The American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. The attacks on Pearl Harbor ignited a fierce national pride that caused many Americans to want to serve their country. Places like Paris Island, San Diego and Montfort Point all saw large numbers of recruits come to defend their nation as Marines. The devastating toll of these incidents was eclipsed only by the awe-inspiring stories of heroism that emerged from those days. When our nation responded to tragedy with indomitable spirit, unconditional compassion, fierce national pride and unshakable resolve. On December the 7th, 1941, Marines and sailors not only showed that they were well trained, they embodied the courage and indomitable spirit for which America is known. Storming beaches, prevailing against insurmountable odds, the Marines of World War II showed the meaning of uncommon valor. Not until September the 11th in 2001 would the United States see another attack of such magnitude on American soil. This time, the attacks occurred at the heart of New York City, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended. Beautiful September morning turned into the modern generation's day of infamy. And as with Pearl Harbor, a day marred by tragedy also became a day of exceptional heroism and selflessness. Marines were among the first responders when our nation fell under attack on September 11, 2001. They, along with other citizens, joined the throng of firefighters and emergency personnel risking their own lives to help the many victims. But I remember getting out of my car and asking mom, is everything okay? She was like a plane just flew into one of the buildings. The plane just flew into the World Trade Center. I left a clear sunny day on the Brooklyn side of the city. When I got across the bridge, I was ID'd by the NYPD. And I reached into my left breast pocket and I pulled out my old expired Marine Corps ID card and I showed it to them. I'd ever forget what the cop said to me. He said, give them health, Staff Sergeant. A number of those first responders lost their lives right here. Like so many in the ten years since that day, these Marines thought first of their duty and their fellow Americans. And they didn't hesitate to do the right thing. I remember getting closer and closer to that last tower. And about a quarter of a mile away, I saw the tower collapse right in front of me. And when I got to Central Park or Park Grove South and Vessie Street, I ran into a group of about five military guys that were in their utilities like me. They came under attack. They got into their uniforms and they responded to help out. There's a couple Army guys, Navy guy and an Air Force guy in one Marine. It was great to see another Marine on site and his uniform. And he introduced himself to me as Staff Sergeant Collins. I saw the Marine here and I said, hey Marine, how about let's take a walk. And so we saw about a platoon size of firemen, about 20-some firemen standing in like a platoon formation. And I walked up and I said, Staff Sergeant Collins from the Marine Corps, to your knowledge, has anybody been conducting throughout the day search and rescue operations in the epicenter of the collapse? They said, no Marine, if you go in there you're going to die. We could see the 16 acres and there was nobody in there but us. We started yelling out at the top of our lungs, United States Marines, is anyone here? We would listen and then proceed about 10 meters and then stop and yell again. We could hear some muffled cries for help coming from what was once the depression of the South Tower. And I remember yelling over the Staff Sergeant Collins, hey I think I have someone. I said, who do we have down there? And they said, two PAPD police officers, they gave me their names. He had heard us yelling out, United States Marine Corps. And he said to his partner, it was trapped with him, Sergeant McLaughlin. He says, Sergeant, the Marines are here. We're going to get rescued. He knew that once he heard United States Marine Corps that they were going to live. Of the many first responders killed, 23 had previously served their country as Marines. I knew two of those Marines very well. Both assigned to six communications battalion. First was my Gunnery Sergeant, Matthew Garvey, who I'd known for six years. The other was a police officer and was a legend on the police department. As well as being a first sergeant of the six communications battalion, Michael Curtin, both perished that morning. We lost 17 Marines that day. We honor them on our Marine Corps birthday, November 10th. We called the roll of all 17 Marines that were killed. And it's an honor of privilege to be part of that celebration. In the Marine Corps, when you go out in the combat environment, you know that your life's in jeopardy. I have to do my job to make sure that my brother survived and vice versa. It's the same thing when we're running into a building, the same thing on 9-11. I'm sure the brothers knew at that particular time that they were not going to make it. But they went in and they did their job and their job is to get those people out. On the days of both attacks, we saw the best of Americans at home. At that moment, strangers became neighbors. And we were all defined by only one word, Americans. From operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the stories of valor like Medal of Honor recipients Corporal Jason Dunham Sergeant Dakota Byer, our example of heroism that emerged. Here we mark 10 years of continuous combat operations in which the United States is relentlessly taking the fight to the enemy. We're going to be here for the people, no matter where it takes. We're going to build relations with the locals. It's obviously the key to winning the sport. The fighting in the area is getting better. And they only shoot a couple of bursts and then they leave because they know where they're going. I don't look back and wish I hadn't deployed or think why I made it because why not me? I wouldn't want someone else to be injured in my place. So I don't feel bad about what happened. Yes, I struggle like I wouldn't have wanted to. But if I had to go back and do it all over again, I would definitely deploy. You know, I didn't know how past generations of Marines would view our generation until I got off the plane in Bangor, Maine. And it was the receiving line of all your World War II vets and Vietnam vets. But they're clapping for us and calling us heroes. We're not heroes, we're just today's Marines. As Marines, we will not stand down until the mission is complete and our nation is once again secure. The indomitable spirit comes not only from the proud tradition of our nation but from the confidence that our military forces will ensure no act of aggression against the United States goes unanswered. Sergeant Major Barrett and I stand shoulder to shoulder with each of you. Thank you for your strength, your understanding and your support as we carry out the mission of the Corps. Happy 236th birthday, Marines. In separate hours.