1 00:00:00,200 --> 00:00:02,144 During which the commandant of the 2 00:00:02,144 --> 00:00:04,144 Marine Corps General David H Berger 3 00:00:04,144 --> 00:00:06,256 will relinquish command of the United 4 00:00:06,256 --> 00:00:06,190 States Marine Corps . 5 00:00:23,379 --> 00:00:25,323 Please rise for the arrival of the 6 00:00:25,323 --> 00:00:26,323 official party . 7 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:01,922 Please remain standing for the 8 00:01:01,922 --> 00:01:04,033 invocation which will be delivered by 9 00:01:04,033 --> 00:01:06,256 the chaplain of the Marine Corps . Rear 10 00:01:06,256 --> 00:01:08,478 Admiral carry H cash , Chaplain Corps , 11 00:01:08,478 --> 00:01:12,330 United States Navy . I invite you to 12 00:01:12,339 --> 00:01:13,339 pray with me 13 00:01:17,209 --> 00:01:19,449 is red . In whose strength , the 14 00:01:19,459 --> 00:01:21,515 warrior is made ready for the day of 15 00:01:21,515 --> 00:01:23,737 battle and to whom nations must one day 16 00:01:23,737 --> 00:01:26,099 answer into your hands . We commend 17 00:01:26,110 --> 00:01:28,290 this ceremony that the words of our 18 00:01:28,300 --> 00:01:30,189 mouths and the meditations of our 19 00:01:30,189 --> 00:01:33,870 hearts be acceptable in thy sight for 20 00:01:33,879 --> 00:01:35,990 General David Berger who relinquishes 21 00:01:35,990 --> 00:01:38,410 his duties as our 38 commandant . We 22 00:01:38,419 --> 00:01:40,989 give you thanks standing amidst the 23 00:01:41,000 --> 00:01:43,111 current of a world moving at alarming 24 00:01:43,111 --> 00:01:45,959 speed . General Berger has led Marines 25 00:01:45,970 --> 00:01:47,819 and the Marine Corps to discern 26 00:01:47,830 --> 00:01:50,339 innovate change and overcome 27 00:01:51,190 --> 00:01:53,529 immovable in what matters the most . 28 00:01:53,779 --> 00:01:56,779 The Marine and his rifle General Berger 29 00:01:56,790 --> 00:01:58,568 has been a change agent for our 30 00:01:58,568 --> 00:02:01,059 National defense . Bless his efforts . 31 00:02:01,069 --> 00:02:03,349 Oh Lord , where those efforts have made 32 00:02:03,360 --> 00:02:05,693 our Marine Corps more effective Marines , 33 00:02:05,693 --> 00:02:08,020 more faithful and this nation more 34 00:02:08,029 --> 00:02:11,330 secure help He and Donna see that you 35 00:02:11,339 --> 00:02:13,509 are the one who has sustained them 36 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:16,690 these many years for you are always 37 00:02:16,699 --> 00:02:19,529 faithful and you will remain always 38 00:02:19,539 --> 00:02:21,650 faithful for the future . They cannot 39 00:02:21,650 --> 00:02:25,179 fully see at peace . Are they whose 40 00:02:25,190 --> 00:02:28,339 minds are stayed on you ? Oh God , may 41 00:02:28,350 --> 00:02:31,020 the burgers look unto you this day as 42 00:02:31,029 --> 00:02:33,270 they call to mind the past and welcome 43 00:02:33,279 --> 00:02:35,850 the future for that leader who will 44 00:02:35,860 --> 00:02:38,027 take up the mantle that General Berger 45 00:02:38,027 --> 00:02:40,027 relinquishes . We ask your abundant 46 00:02:40,027 --> 00:02:42,389 provision of God in the midst of this 47 00:02:42,399 --> 00:02:45,009 sea change . Grant unto our acting 48 00:02:45,020 --> 00:02:47,440 commandant General Smith , your grace . 49 00:02:48,289 --> 00:02:50,511 And on that day , when a new commandant 50 00:02:50,511 --> 00:02:52,622 is named , we ask that you imbue that 51 00:02:52,630 --> 00:02:55,139 leader with moral rigor , a heart 52 00:02:55,149 --> 00:02:57,860 singular in purpose , wisdom and 53 00:02:57,869 --> 00:03:01,259 courage , humility and the fear of God . 54 00:03:02,139 --> 00:03:04,839 As the psalmist declares , the Lord is 55 00:03:04,850 --> 00:03:07,600 my strength and my shield , my heart 56 00:03:07,610 --> 00:03:10,279 trusts in Him and I am helped 57 00:03:11,199 --> 00:03:13,470 be our shield . Oh God , now and 58 00:03:13,479 --> 00:03:16,880 forever more from every peril to the 59 00:03:16,889 --> 00:03:18,410 core I'm in . 60 00:03:20,690 --> 00:03:21,940 Please be seated . 61 00:04:39,820 --> 00:04:41,431 We begin our ceremony with a 62 00:04:41,431 --> 00:04:43,653 performance by the United States Marine 63 00:04:43,653 --> 00:04:46,579 dr and people formed in 1934 known as 64 00:04:46,589 --> 00:04:48,311 the Commandant Zone . The unit 65 00:04:48,311 --> 00:04:51,130 celebrates over 88 years of a musical 66 00:04:51,140 --> 00:04:53,570 excellence . This is thinking of being 67 00:04:53,579 --> 00:04:55,523 the only drug people who currently 68 00:04:55,523 --> 00:04:57,135 serving in the United States 69 00:05:00,329 --> 00:05:02,496 by Robert Jaker , written as a tribute 70 00:05:02,496 --> 00:05:04,440 to the men and women of the United 71 00:05:04,440 --> 00:05:06,440 States Marine Corps , appropriately 72 00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:08,662 entitled Esri de Corp Marine Barracks , 73 00:05:08,662 --> 00:05:10,779 Washington DC probably presents the 74 00:05:10,790 --> 00:05:12,957 Commandant Zone , United States Marine 75 00:05:12,957 --> 00:05:14,123 Drum and Bugle Corps 76 00:07:57,480 --> 00:07:59,369 with a unique blend of Latin jazz 77 00:07:59,369 --> 00:08:01,630 standards made famous by artists Johnny 78 00:08:01,640 --> 00:08:04,230 Richards and Arturo Sandoval , Ken Sabe 79 00:08:04,369 --> 00:08:06,091 and La Virgen de La Macarena . 80 00:12:28,450 --> 00:12:30,672 The concert will close with one of this 81 00:12:30,672 --> 00:12:32,839 nation's most popular songs of Freedom 82 00:12:32,839 --> 00:12:34,506 battle Hymn of the Republic . 83 00:16:20,979 --> 00:16:21,979 Go on . 84 00:20:32,400 --> 00:20:33,400 Bye . 85 00:21:06,489 --> 00:21:07,489 That 86 00:21:56,729 --> 00:21:58,951 please rise for the presentation of the 87 00:21:58,951 --> 00:22:01,118 colors and the playing of our national 88 00:22:01,118 --> 00:22:00,859 anthem . 89 00:23:49,400 --> 00:23:50,400 Yeah , 90 00:24:14,050 --> 00:24:15,050 44 . 91 00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:25,680 Yeah , 92 00:24:49,119 --> 00:24:49,660 thanks . 93 00:25:33,630 --> 00:25:34,686 Please be seated , 94 00:25:46,250 --> 00:25:50,010 sir . The greatest forms take your post , 95 00:25:50,020 --> 00:25:50,569 sir . 96 00:26:02,310 --> 00:26:04,290 That dropped . 97 00:26:06,939 --> 00:26:07,709 Search 98 00:26:12,260 --> 00:26:12,650 God 99 00:26:25,229 --> 00:26:26,739 right ? So 100 00:26:40,189 --> 00:26:40,540 Jo , 101 00:26:53,199 --> 00:26:54,339 oh yeah , 102 00:27:04,020 --> 00:27:06,790 so work put . 103 00:27:28,900 --> 00:27:30,900 It is a privilege to welcome as our 104 00:27:30,900 --> 00:27:33,011 presiding official this morning , the 105 00:27:33,011 --> 00:27:35,067 Secretary of Defense , the honorable 106 00:27:35,067 --> 00:27:37,400 Lloyd J . Austin . Ladies and gentlemen , 107 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:39,622 please rise for honors to the Secretary 108 00:27:39,622 --> 00:27:40,622 of Defense . 109 00:27:55,900 --> 00:27:56,900 Mhm . 110 00:28:02,959 --> 00:28:03,959 No , 111 00:30:55,020 --> 00:30:56,229 please be seated . 112 00:31:02,359 --> 00:31:04,415 Now , entering the reviewing area is 113 00:31:04,415 --> 00:31:06,359 the Commandant of the Marine Corps 114 00:31:06,359 --> 00:31:08,400 General David H Berger . Ladies and 115 00:31:08,410 --> 00:31:10,521 gentlemen , please rise for honors to 116 00:31:10,521 --> 00:31:11,521 General Berger . 117 00:32:02,520 --> 00:32:05,719 Ok , accompanying General Berger is the 118 00:32:05,729 --> 00:32:07,673 assistant commandant of the Marine 119 00:32:07,673 --> 00:32:09,359 Corps General Eric M Smith . 120 00:32:19,520 --> 00:32:21,242 Please remain standing for the 121 00:32:21,242 --> 00:32:23,353 relinquishment of the battle color of 122 00:32:23,353 --> 00:32:25,187 the Marine Corps , which will be 123 00:32:25,187 --> 00:32:27,242 facilitated by the sergeant major of 124 00:32:27,242 --> 00:32:29,409 the Marine Corps , Sergeant Major Troy 125 00:32:29,409 --> 00:32:31,520 E Black . The assistant commandant of 126 00:32:31,520 --> 00:32:31,339 the Marine Corps will accept the battle 127 00:32:31,349 --> 00:32:33,349 color from General Berger and shall 128 00:32:33,349 --> 00:32:35,405 perform the duties of the commandant 129 00:32:35,405 --> 00:32:37,238 until a successor is appointed . 130 00:32:40,270 --> 00:32:42,660 Deliver the collars for the coming onto 131 00:32:42,670 --> 00:32:43,670 the rain corps 132 00:33:32,290 --> 00:33:34,040 attention to orders 133 00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:41,859 President of the United States , two 134 00:33:41,869 --> 00:33:44,199 General David H Berger , United States 135 00:33:44,209 --> 00:33:46,890 Marine Corps subject relinquishment of 136 00:33:46,900 --> 00:33:50,589 office effective 10 July 2023 . You 137 00:33:50,599 --> 00:33:52,710 will stand detached from your present 138 00:33:52,710 --> 00:33:56,219 station and duties at 2359 on 31 139 00:33:56,229 --> 00:33:58,969 August 2023 you will be released from 140 00:33:58,979 --> 00:34:02,310 active duty on 1 September 2023 . You 141 00:34:02,319 --> 00:34:04,208 will transfer to the Marine Corps 142 00:34:04,208 --> 00:34:06,041 officers retired list . You will 143 00:34:06,041 --> 00:34:08,350 complete 42 years cumulative service of 144 00:34:08,360 --> 00:34:11,399 which 42 years is active service for 145 00:34:11,409 --> 00:34:13,370 the President Lloyd J . Austin . 146 00:34:13,649 --> 00:34:15,330 Secretary of Defense . 147 00:34:59,719 --> 00:35:00,969 Please be seated . 148 00:35:08,159 --> 00:35:10,381 Ladies and gentlemen , this morning , a 149 00:35:10,381 --> 00:35:12,159 private retirement ceremony was 150 00:35:12,159 --> 00:35:14,270 conducted in the Marine Family Garden 151 00:35:14,270 --> 00:35:16,326 for General Berger . During which he 152 00:35:16,326 --> 00:35:18,492 received several auditory letters from 153 00:35:18,492 --> 00:35:20,381 such distinguished persons as the 154 00:35:20,381 --> 00:35:22,437 president of the United States , the 155 00:35:22,437 --> 00:35:24,659 Secretary of Defense , the Secretary of 156 00:35:24,659 --> 00:35:26,826 the Navy and many others . Please join 157 00:35:26,826 --> 00:35:28,548 us in congratulating our 38 th 158 00:35:28,548 --> 00:35:30,603 commandant on his most distinguished 159 00:35:30,603 --> 00:35:29,830 career . 160 00:36:17,080 --> 00:36:18,969 Ladies and gentlemen , now in the 161 00:36:18,969 --> 00:36:20,747 reviewing area is the assistant 162 00:36:20,747 --> 00:36:22,913 commandant of the Marine Corps General 163 00:36:22,913 --> 00:36:25,024 Eric M Smith . Please rise for honors 164 00:36:25,024 --> 00:36:26,080 to General Smith . 165 00:36:43,860 --> 00:36:44,860 Yeah , 166 00:37:14,129 --> 00:37:15,300 please be seated . 167 00:37:20,459 --> 00:37:22,681 Ladies and gentlemen , the Secretary of 168 00:37:22,681 --> 00:37:24,681 Defense and General Berger will now 169 00:37:24,681 --> 00:37:26,681 join General Smith in the reviewing 170 00:37:26,681 --> 00:37:28,181 area for pass and review . 171 00:37:40,020 --> 00:37:43,429 What's the command in ? Review ? My eye , 172 00:37:43,439 --> 00:37:43,889 sir . 173 00:37:55,550 --> 00:37:56,040 Right , 174 00:38:26,800 --> 00:38:27,169 like 175 00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:09,800 in . 176 00:41:21,770 --> 00:41:22,770 Yeah . 177 00:42:28,679 --> 00:42:29,679 Ok . 178 00:42:46,919 --> 00:42:49,459 Right . Right . Right . 179 00:43:14,530 --> 00:43:16,752 Ladies and gentlemen , the Secretary of 180 00:43:16,752 --> 00:43:18,641 Defense , the honorable Lloyd J . 181 00:43:18,641 --> 00:43:19,641 Austin . 182 00:43:32,310 --> 00:43:34,477 Well , good morning , everyone . It is 183 00:43:34,477 --> 00:43:37,830 indeed an honor to be here at Marine 184 00:43:37,840 --> 00:43:40,949 Barracks , Washington , which is the 185 00:43:40,959 --> 00:43:43,949 oldest active post in the United States 186 00:43:43,959 --> 00:43:47,669 Marine Corps . I think the performance 187 00:43:47,679 --> 00:43:50,550 that we saw this morning was just 188 00:43:50,560 --> 00:43:52,782 absolutely outstanding . And I know you 189 00:43:52,782 --> 00:43:54,893 would agree . Let's give them another 190 00:43:54,893 --> 00:43:54,120 round of applause . 191 00:44:03,939 --> 00:44:06,139 It's great to see Secretary Del Toro 192 00:44:06,149 --> 00:44:08,929 and General Milley and so many other 193 00:44:09,020 --> 00:44:11,060 military leaders and distinguished 194 00:44:11,070 --> 00:44:14,429 guests , friends and family members . 195 00:44:15,840 --> 00:44:17,618 I'm delighted to be with you to 196 00:44:17,618 --> 00:44:19,899 celebrate the career of an outstanding 197 00:44:19,909 --> 00:44:23,270 marine . Our 38 commandant of the 198 00:44:23,280 --> 00:44:26,929 Marine Corps General David Berger , but 199 00:44:26,939 --> 00:44:30,290 he would be the first to tell you that 200 00:44:30,300 --> 00:44:33,219 today is a celebration of all of our 201 00:44:33,229 --> 00:44:36,649 outstanding marines for 202 00:44:36,659 --> 00:44:39,209 2.5 centuries . Us marines have been 203 00:44:39,219 --> 00:44:42,239 proudly the first to fight . 204 00:44:43,739 --> 00:44:46,520 They fought with valor on beaches in 205 00:44:46,530 --> 00:44:49,659 cities and in jungles . Their 206 00:44:49,669 --> 00:44:52,879 commitment to our democracy and to 207 00:44:52,889 --> 00:44:55,350 their brothers and sisters in arms is 208 00:44:55,360 --> 00:44:59,300 unbreakable and their courage has long 209 00:44:59,310 --> 00:45:01,679 been central to America's success on 210 00:45:01,689 --> 00:45:05,510 the battlefield . Today , we 211 00:45:05,520 --> 00:45:07,919 face a challenging new security 212 00:45:07,929 --> 00:45:11,070 landscape , but our marines are 213 00:45:11,080 --> 00:45:14,429 navigating it with the same grit power 214 00:45:14,750 --> 00:45:17,870 and resolve that have always set the 215 00:45:17,879 --> 00:45:21,110 core apart . And that's especially 216 00:45:21,120 --> 00:45:23,009 important in our primary field of 217 00:45:23,010 --> 00:45:25,639 operations . The Indo Pacific , 218 00:45:27,080 --> 00:45:29,649 you know , I was honored to visit 219 00:45:29,659 --> 00:45:31,492 earlier this year with some very 220 00:45:31,492 --> 00:45:34,629 impressive marines in Japan and the 221 00:45:34,639 --> 00:45:37,729 Philippines . And I got to see first 222 00:45:37,739 --> 00:45:40,389 hand , how the core is strengthening 223 00:45:40,399 --> 00:45:43,310 deterrent alongside our allies . 224 00:45:44,870 --> 00:45:46,648 And the Corps is hard at work . 225 00:45:46,648 --> 00:45:48,560 Standing up the 12 th Marine Lior 226 00:45:48,780 --> 00:45:52,179 regiment in Okinawa , which will make 227 00:45:52,189 --> 00:45:54,979 our joint force even more lethal 228 00:45:56,409 --> 00:45:58,187 marines are also central to our 229 00:45:58,187 --> 00:46:00,298 operations and deterrents in Europe . 230 00:46:01,330 --> 00:46:05,020 They train alongside our NATO allies on 231 00:46:05,030 --> 00:46:07,320 everything from cold weather operations 232 00:46:07,330 --> 00:46:10,760 to mountain warfare . And as Russia 233 00:46:10,770 --> 00:46:13,000 continues its cruel war of choice 234 00:46:13,010 --> 00:46:16,500 against Ukraine , our stand in force of 235 00:46:16,510 --> 00:46:19,409 Marines is critical for nato's 236 00:46:19,419 --> 00:46:21,600 deterrence and defense . 237 00:46:23,979 --> 00:46:27,439 In fact , it's hard to find a spot on 238 00:46:27,449 --> 00:46:30,280 the globe where marines aren't making 239 00:46:30,290 --> 00:46:34,040 it safer . And when a crisis erupts , 240 00:46:34,780 --> 00:46:37,250 we count on our marines to be ready for 241 00:46:37,260 --> 00:46:40,350 anything and to leap into action . 242 00:46:42,239 --> 00:46:44,406 And today as we work to strengthen our 243 00:46:44,406 --> 00:46:46,879 military for the great competitions 244 00:46:46,889 --> 00:46:50,500 ahead , the Marine Corps is 245 00:46:50,510 --> 00:46:54,169 absolutely central . The Force 246 00:46:54,179 --> 00:46:57,120 design 2030 plan outlines how the 247 00:46:57,129 --> 00:46:59,989 Marines will modernize the core to 248 00:47:00,000 --> 00:47:03,040 deepen America's deterrence and if 249 00:47:03,050 --> 00:47:06,360 necessary to fight and win wherever 250 00:47:06,370 --> 00:47:10,300 they must . And General Dave Berger 251 00:47:11,409 --> 00:47:13,360 has led this historic and 252 00:47:13,370 --> 00:47:17,100 transformational effort . He's done so 253 00:47:17,110 --> 00:47:20,989 with vision and creativity and 254 00:47:21,000 --> 00:47:24,580 boldness . He's not just willing to 255 00:47:24,590 --> 00:47:28,439 embrace change . He's eager to lead 256 00:47:28,449 --> 00:47:32,159 change . It's often 257 00:47:32,169 --> 00:47:34,290 said that militaries are always 258 00:47:34,300 --> 00:47:36,330 preparing to fight the last war . 259 00:47:37,770 --> 00:47:39,992 General Berger has been driving hard to 260 00:47:39,992 --> 00:47:43,909 deter the next war in his four 261 00:47:43,919 --> 00:47:46,770 years is coming up . He has focused 262 00:47:46,780 --> 00:47:50,229 relentlessly on the future fight . He 263 00:47:50,239 --> 00:47:53,770 has faced hard choices and he's faced 264 00:47:53,780 --> 00:47:57,020 them head on . He's encouraged creative 265 00:47:57,030 --> 00:48:00,510 thinking at every level of the core and 266 00:48:00,520 --> 00:48:03,229 he has pushed our department to 267 00:48:03,239 --> 00:48:06,139 redefine readiness for the 21st century . 268 00:48:09,199 --> 00:48:12,370 Now , despite all of his achievements , 269 00:48:13,729 --> 00:48:16,780 Dave is one of the most humble leaders 270 00:48:16,790 --> 00:48:20,379 in our inventory . In fact , he 271 00:48:20,389 --> 00:48:22,222 probably hates the fact that I'm 272 00:48:22,222 --> 00:48:25,570 talking about him right now , but I'm 273 00:48:25,580 --> 00:48:27,802 going to do it for a few more minutes , 274 00:48:27,802 --> 00:48:31,120 Dave . So just relax and deal with it . 275 00:48:35,879 --> 00:48:37,879 You know , anyone who has worked in 276 00:48:37,879 --> 00:48:40,101 government knows how tempting it can be 277 00:48:40,580 --> 00:48:43,340 to just kick the can down the road or 278 00:48:43,350 --> 00:48:45,570 to make do with the old wage for a 279 00:48:45,580 --> 00:48:48,820 little bit longer . But that's not Da 280 00:48:48,830 --> 00:48:52,159 Burger . His staff says that he has 281 00:48:52,169 --> 00:48:55,010 never once hit the easy button 282 00:48:56,580 --> 00:48:58,691 and that's been true throughout his , 283 00:48:58,691 --> 00:49:01,399 throughout his career as a young 284 00:49:01,409 --> 00:49:04,100 officer , General Berger did it all 285 00:49:05,280 --> 00:49:08,310 reconnaissance training , junk , master 286 00:49:08,320 --> 00:49:12,179 school , combat dive , you 287 00:49:12,189 --> 00:49:15,320 name it . He went on to command the 288 00:49:15,330 --> 00:49:17,497 first Marine Division in Afghanistan , 289 00:49:18,520 --> 00:49:20,989 the first Marine expeditionary force in 290 00:49:21,000 --> 00:49:24,679 Camp Pendleton and Fleet Marine Forces 291 00:49:24,689 --> 00:49:27,760 Pacific where he saw firsthand what it 292 00:49:27,770 --> 00:49:30,469 takes to deter aggression in the Indo 293 00:49:30,500 --> 00:49:34,250 Pacific . He is a warrior 294 00:49:34,260 --> 00:49:37,800 scholar . He's a tremendous 295 00:49:37,810 --> 00:49:41,699 communicator . He's a tireless advocate 296 00:49:41,709 --> 00:49:44,399 for younger marines and he's a great 297 00:49:44,409 --> 00:49:48,129 listener . In fact , General Berger 298 00:49:48,139 --> 00:49:51,260 believes that the more senior you get , 299 00:49:52,139 --> 00:49:55,949 the more important it is to listen to 300 00:49:55,959 --> 00:49:59,889 everyone no matter their rank or 301 00:49:59,899 --> 00:50:03,500 their title . Young majors on his 302 00:50:03,510 --> 00:50:05,689 staff . Recall that General Berger 303 00:50:05,699 --> 00:50:07,421 would ask them about their own 304 00:50:07,421 --> 00:50:09,643 experiences in the Corps and how things 305 00:50:09,643 --> 00:50:12,939 could work better . And for anyone with 306 00:50:12,949 --> 00:50:16,070 a good idea , he's always got an open 307 00:50:16,080 --> 00:50:18,540 door and an open mind . 308 00:50:21,790 --> 00:50:23,949 Now , if you ask General Berger , how 309 00:50:23,959 --> 00:50:27,080 he stays grounded , his answer is 310 00:50:27,090 --> 00:50:29,750 simple . His family 311 00:50:32,679 --> 00:50:34,790 and let me recognize General Berger's 312 00:50:34,790 --> 00:50:37,989 parents , JC and Martha and his wife , 313 00:50:38,000 --> 00:50:41,780 Donna and their four sons , Joseph 314 00:50:41,790 --> 00:50:44,360 Ryan Philip and Jeffrey . 315 00:50:46,530 --> 00:50:49,250 You know , there is nothing more 316 00:50:49,260 --> 00:50:52,260 important to Dave than family . 317 00:50:53,750 --> 00:50:55,750 He loves coaching his sons , sports 318 00:50:55,750 --> 00:50:58,840 teams bragging on their accomplishments 319 00:50:59,340 --> 00:51:01,396 and riding Four Wheelers back on the 320 00:51:01,396 --> 00:51:04,500 farm with his grandchildren . He takes 321 00:51:04,510 --> 00:51:07,000 leave just to spend time with his 322 00:51:07,010 --> 00:51:10,050 family and he turns his phone off so 323 00:51:10,060 --> 00:51:13,919 that he can be present . And Dave 324 00:51:13,929 --> 00:51:16,739 always makes clear to the teams that he 325 00:51:16,750 --> 00:51:19,889 leaves . Family comes first . 326 00:51:21,530 --> 00:51:23,641 He loves talking with his staff about 327 00:51:23,641 --> 00:51:26,260 what their families are up to and he 328 00:51:26,270 --> 00:51:28,520 encourages them to make sure that 329 00:51:28,530 --> 00:51:30,697 they're spending time with their loved 330 00:51:30,697 --> 00:51:34,620 ones . And that really makes a 331 00:51:34,629 --> 00:51:38,070 difference to marines at all levels of 332 00:51:38,080 --> 00:51:41,979 the core . So I want to thank 333 00:51:41,989 --> 00:51:45,330 Dave for his focus on family and I want 334 00:51:45,340 --> 00:51:47,550 to thank this outstanding military 335 00:51:47,560 --> 00:51:50,649 family for serving right alongside 336 00:51:50,659 --> 00:51:54,239 General Berger Donna . 337 00:51:55,949 --> 00:51:58,189 Thanks for all that you've done for our 338 00:51:58,199 --> 00:52:01,179 country in the United States Marine 339 00:52:01,189 --> 00:52:05,000 Corps and for your tireless work 340 00:52:05,010 --> 00:52:06,860 on behalf of our families . 341 00:52:10,219 --> 00:52:12,510 You know , this year marks 42 years 342 00:52:13,489 --> 00:52:17,270 since Dave became a marine in 42 years 343 00:52:17,280 --> 00:52:20,199 of marriage for Dave and Donna . 344 00:52:21,300 --> 00:52:23,469 So let's give it up for the both of 345 00:52:23,479 --> 00:52:24,479 them 346 00:52:33,739 --> 00:52:35,795 and to General Berger's Children and 347 00:52:35,795 --> 00:52:38,620 your families . Thanks for your love 348 00:52:38,629 --> 00:52:40,740 and support and for what you're doing 349 00:52:40,740 --> 00:52:42,899 to serve our country as well . 350 00:52:44,750 --> 00:52:48,310 You know , years ago , Dave and Donna 351 00:52:48,320 --> 00:52:51,090 had a conversation about whether he 352 00:52:51,100 --> 00:52:54,290 should stay in the marines and they 353 00:52:54,300 --> 00:52:57,090 decided that if he ever had three bad 354 00:52:57,100 --> 00:52:59,750 days in a row , he'd get out of the 355 00:52:59,760 --> 00:53:03,110 military . And General Berger 356 00:53:03,120 --> 00:53:06,320 says , and he's never had those three 357 00:53:06,330 --> 00:53:08,100 bad days in a row . 358 00:53:10,169 --> 00:53:12,058 So Dave , I want to thank you for 359 00:53:12,058 --> 00:53:13,891 everything that you have done to 360 00:53:13,891 --> 00:53:16,419 strengthen the Marine Corps and to 361 00:53:16,429 --> 00:53:18,310 defend the United States . 362 00:53:22,699 --> 00:53:24,840 Now , I know that everyone here is 363 00:53:24,850 --> 00:53:26,461 looking forward to the rapid 364 00:53:26,461 --> 00:53:28,889 confirmation of a distinguished 365 00:53:28,899 --> 00:53:32,889 successor to General Berger . You know , 366 00:53:32,899 --> 00:53:36,189 it's been more than a century since the 367 00:53:36,199 --> 00:53:39,540 US Marine Corps has operated without a 368 00:53:39,550 --> 00:53:41,383 senate . Confirmed , coming up , 369 00:53:43,149 --> 00:53:45,129 smooth and timely transitions of 370 00:53:45,139 --> 00:53:48,120 confirmed leadership are central to the 371 00:53:48,129 --> 00:53:51,659 defense of the United States and to the 372 00:53:51,669 --> 00:53:53,629 full strength of the most powerful 373 00:53:53,639 --> 00:53:55,979 fighting force in history . 374 00:53:57,709 --> 00:53:59,719 Stable and orderly leadership 375 00:53:59,729 --> 00:54:01,396 transitions are also vital to 376 00:54:01,396 --> 00:54:04,169 maintaining our unmatched network of 377 00:54:04,179 --> 00:54:07,010 allies and partners and they are 378 00:54:07,020 --> 00:54:09,199 crucial for our military readiness . 379 00:54:11,209 --> 00:54:13,419 And of course , our military families 380 00:54:14,419 --> 00:54:17,459 give up so much to support those who 381 00:54:17,469 --> 00:54:20,620 serve . So they shouldn't be weighed 382 00:54:20,629 --> 00:54:23,939 down with any extra uncertainty . 383 00:54:26,340 --> 00:54:28,840 We have a sacred duty to do right by 384 00:54:28,850 --> 00:54:31,719 those who volunteer to wear the cloth 385 00:54:31,729 --> 00:54:35,580 of our nation . And I remain confident 386 00:54:37,080 --> 00:54:39,302 that all Americans can come together to 387 00:54:39,302 --> 00:54:41,729 agree on that basic obligation to those 388 00:54:41,739 --> 00:54:45,719 who keep us safe . I am also 389 00:54:45,729 --> 00:54:48,679 confident that the United States Senate 390 00:54:48,689 --> 00:54:52,030 will meet its responsibilities and I 391 00:54:52,040 --> 00:54:53,651 look forward to welcoming an 392 00:54:53,651 --> 00:54:55,596 outstanding new commandant for our 393 00:54:55,596 --> 00:54:58,520 Marine Corps and to adding many other 394 00:54:58,530 --> 00:55:00,752 distinguished senior leaders across the 395 00:55:00,752 --> 00:55:01,752 joint force . 396 00:55:05,120 --> 00:55:07,064 You know , there's a saying in the 397 00:55:07,064 --> 00:55:10,250 Marines , we don't accept 398 00:55:10,260 --> 00:55:14,139 applications only commitments . 399 00:55:16,060 --> 00:55:19,639 And every day marines bring their 400 00:55:19,649 --> 00:55:22,800 trademark commitment , quiet but fierce . 401 00:55:24,520 --> 00:55:26,520 They bring that commitment to their 402 00:55:26,520 --> 00:55:29,879 teammates , to their commanders 403 00:55:30,429 --> 00:55:34,320 and to their country . That 404 00:55:34,330 --> 00:55:37,120 commitment has allowed America to fight 405 00:55:37,129 --> 00:55:39,590 and win countless battles across 406 00:55:39,600 --> 00:55:43,300 centuries . That 407 00:55:43,310 --> 00:55:47,000 commitment is what lets America race to 408 00:55:47,010 --> 00:55:49,620 the aid of those in need anywhere on 409 00:55:49,629 --> 00:55:53,520 the planet in that 410 00:55:53,530 --> 00:55:57,100 commitment is why I am confident 411 00:55:57,840 --> 00:55:59,969 that our military is ready to deter 412 00:55:59,979 --> 00:56:03,860 aggression wherever we can and to fight 413 00:56:03,899 --> 00:56:05,729 and win wherever we must 414 00:56:07,449 --> 00:56:11,209 today tomorrow and for 415 00:56:11,219 --> 00:56:15,010 decades to come . And 416 00:56:15,949 --> 00:56:18,429 I am confident that we will rise to the 417 00:56:18,439 --> 00:56:21,070 challenge of making our country 418 00:56:21,080 --> 00:56:24,219 stronger and making our world safer 419 00:56:27,050 --> 00:56:29,050 to our United States Marine Corps . 420 00:56:30,889 --> 00:56:34,300 Thank you for your unfailing commitment 421 00:56:34,310 --> 00:56:37,840 to our country into general 422 00:56:37,850 --> 00:56:41,800 Berger . Thank you for your unfailing 423 00:56:41,810 --> 00:56:44,120 commitment to our United States Marine 424 00:56:44,129 --> 00:56:47,830 Corps . May God bless you and your 425 00:56:47,840 --> 00:56:51,669 family . May God 426 00:56:51,679 --> 00:56:54,350 bless the United States Marine Corps 427 00:56:56,030 --> 00:56:58,729 and may God continue to bless the 428 00:56:58,739 --> 00:57:00,795 United States of America . Thank you 429 00:57:00,795 --> 00:57:01,795 very much . 430 00:57:21,800 --> 00:57:23,633 Ladies and gentlemen , the 38 th 431 00:57:23,633 --> 00:57:25,800 commandant of the Marine Corps General 432 00:57:25,800 --> 00:57:26,800 David H Berger . 433 00:57:38,350 --> 00:57:41,439 As the secretary pointed out , the band 434 00:57:41,449 --> 00:57:43,560 sounded phenomenal this morning , but 435 00:57:43,560 --> 00:57:46,129 of course , a ceremony like this takes 436 00:57:46,139 --> 00:57:48,979 a lot of pieces and parts to organize 437 00:57:48,989 --> 00:57:51,860 it to schedule it . So from the 438 00:57:51,870 --> 00:57:55,389 barracks here in security and protocol , 439 00:57:55,399 --> 00:57:57,989 the marching unit behind us , all the 440 00:57:58,000 --> 00:58:00,167 protocol team at headquarters , Marine 441 00:58:00,167 --> 00:58:03,389 Corps N CS for security . All of the 442 00:58:03,399 --> 00:58:05,719 people that had a hand in the ceremony . 443 00:58:05,729 --> 00:58:07,785 Can you please join me in ? Thanking 444 00:58:07,785 --> 00:58:08,785 them . 445 00:58:16,219 --> 00:58:18,580 I am very grateful Donna and I and the 446 00:58:18,590 --> 00:58:20,870 Smiths for folks who traveled here 447 00:58:20,879 --> 00:58:23,379 distances to get here . As you pointed 448 00:58:23,389 --> 00:58:25,979 out earlier . Some folks called this 449 00:58:25,989 --> 00:58:28,211 morning because of canceled flights for 450 00:58:28,211 --> 00:58:30,433 those who may get it here . Thank you . 451 00:58:30,669 --> 00:58:34,389 I begin quickly with my parents . This 452 00:58:34,399 --> 00:58:38,350 is where for me what the Marine Corps 453 00:58:38,360 --> 00:58:42,239 talks about in terms of values 454 00:58:42,250 --> 00:58:44,472 of honor , courage , and commitment . I 455 00:58:44,472 --> 00:58:46,528 got them before I came in the Marine 456 00:58:46,528 --> 00:58:48,780 Corps . I got them from my parents . 457 00:58:49,459 --> 00:58:51,348 They taught me about honor . They 458 00:58:51,348 --> 00:58:53,515 taught me about keeping my word . They 459 00:58:53,515 --> 00:58:55,070 taught all four of us about 460 00:58:55,070 --> 00:58:57,590 responsibility and about protecting the 461 00:58:57,600 --> 00:59:01,320 family more than that . Perhaps they 462 00:59:01,330 --> 00:59:03,830 didn't just teach us even sitting here 463 00:59:03,840 --> 00:59:07,149 in the front row today . They are our 464 00:59:07,159 --> 00:59:10,830 personal example . This is 465 00:59:10,840 --> 00:59:13,570 what right looks like . They have been 466 00:59:13,580 --> 00:59:15,919 married 67 years and they continue to 467 00:59:15,929 --> 00:59:17,580 be my role model . 468 00:59:24,080 --> 00:59:26,247 All of us serving in the military have 469 00:59:26,247 --> 00:59:28,959 friends from around the world . I won't 470 00:59:28,969 --> 00:59:31,540 go through all of them today . I am 471 00:59:31,550 --> 00:59:35,360 very grateful for 42 years of 472 00:59:35,370 --> 00:59:37,537 friendships that I think we will carry 473 00:59:37,537 --> 00:59:40,949 on long beyond this . Some of them here 474 00:59:40,959 --> 00:59:42,959 like the Bennetts and the buoys and 475 00:59:42,959 --> 00:59:45,015 some of them who called us yesterday 476 00:59:45,015 --> 00:59:47,126 and the day before like Jim and Carla 477 00:59:47,126 --> 00:59:49,949 Hogan from the west coast and so many 478 00:59:49,959 --> 00:59:53,540 other families , this is what makes the 479 00:59:53,550 --> 00:59:56,570 Marine Corps so special . I would also 480 00:59:56,580 --> 00:59:59,389 like to acknowledge the families like 481 00:59:59,399 --> 01:00:01,649 the Hogans who are gold star families 482 01:00:02,030 --> 01:00:04,510 who we have come to know , especially 483 01:00:04,520 --> 01:00:06,742 over the last four or five years . Much 484 01:00:06,742 --> 01:00:09,429 deeper . It is tough 485 01:00:10,610 --> 01:00:13,409 in combat to send 486 01:00:14,719 --> 01:00:17,129 marines home back to their families . 487 01:00:17,139 --> 01:00:19,250 And when you get back on this end and 488 01:00:19,250 --> 01:00:21,528 you see the strength of their families , 489 01:00:21,528 --> 01:00:23,583 the gold star families . It's simply 490 01:00:23,583 --> 01:00:26,969 amazing . I am grateful to Secretary 491 01:00:26,979 --> 01:00:29,229 Spencer , Richard Spencer . He took a 492 01:00:29,239 --> 01:00:32,340 chance on me four years ago , probably 493 01:00:32,350 --> 01:00:34,572 more than a chance , probably more like 494 01:00:34,572 --> 01:00:37,629 a gamble . But I am very grateful for 495 01:00:37,639 --> 01:00:40,459 you giving me the opportunity . I'm 496 01:00:40,469 --> 01:00:42,550 grateful for Secretary Del Toro 497 01:00:44,899 --> 01:00:46,843 who gave me the confidence to keep 498 01:00:46,843 --> 01:00:48,955 going and backed me every step of the 499 01:00:48,955 --> 01:00:50,955 way for the past two years since he 500 01:00:50,955 --> 01:00:53,379 came in . So I'm grateful for you being 501 01:00:53,389 --> 01:00:55,500 here and I'm grateful for your steady 502 01:00:55,500 --> 01:00:57,389 support and I'm grateful for your 503 01:00:57,389 --> 01:01:00,449 mentorship , the joint chiefs . I did 504 01:01:00,459 --> 01:01:02,520 not understand the role of a service 505 01:01:02,530 --> 01:01:05,939 chief until probably Joe 506 01:01:05,949 --> 01:01:08,550 Dunford explained it to me as pretty 507 01:01:08,560 --> 01:01:12,000 simple that you will have two roles run 508 01:01:12,010 --> 01:01:14,449 running the service and the other being 509 01:01:14,459 --> 01:01:16,919 a joint chief . And I asked him , 510 01:01:18,350 --> 01:01:20,572 how did he spend his time between those 511 01:01:20,572 --> 01:01:22,600 two roles ? Very easy for him to 512 01:01:22,610 --> 01:01:24,850 respond . He said you can make a 513 01:01:24,860 --> 01:01:26,989 mistake as a commandant , the Marine 514 01:01:27,000 --> 01:01:29,639 Corps will cover for you . But when it 515 01:01:29,649 --> 01:01:31,427 comes to giving advice , giving 516 01:01:31,427 --> 01:01:33,427 recommendations to the Secretary of 517 01:01:33,427 --> 01:01:35,538 Defense to the President , you cannot 518 01:01:35,538 --> 01:01:37,989 get that wrong . And I took that to 519 01:01:38,000 --> 01:01:40,530 heart . I am very grateful for my 520 01:01:40,540 --> 01:01:43,209 fellow joint chiefs that are here . We 521 01:01:43,219 --> 01:01:45,441 talked about what was important for our 522 01:01:45,449 --> 01:01:48,050 service . But in the end , in the end , 523 01:01:48,939 --> 01:01:51,050 we met with the chairman and told him 524 01:01:51,050 --> 01:01:53,161 what's best for the whole force . And 525 01:01:53,161 --> 01:01:54,995 chairman , I'm grateful for your 526 01:01:54,995 --> 01:01:57,050 leadership and I'm grateful for your 527 01:01:57,050 --> 01:01:59,106 friendship and I'm grateful for what 528 01:01:59,106 --> 01:02:01,328 you did from Iraq to Afghanistan to all 529 01:02:01,328 --> 01:02:03,439 the Friday sessions in the tank where 530 01:02:03,439 --> 01:02:05,610 you put the nation and the service , 531 01:02:05,620 --> 01:02:07,787 men and women and their families first 532 01:02:07,787 --> 01:02:10,009 and you and Polly two months from now , 533 01:02:10,009 --> 01:02:11,842 we'll be there cheering from the 534 01:02:11,842 --> 01:02:13,939 bleachers , Sergeant major Black and 535 01:02:13,949 --> 01:02:16,699 Stacey . We grew up in the Marine Corps 536 01:02:16,709 --> 01:02:18,870 serving alongside a senior enlisted 537 01:02:18,879 --> 01:02:21,360 leader . We're so blessed to have a 538 01:02:21,370 --> 01:02:23,481 sergeant major from the time you're a 539 01:02:23,481 --> 01:02:26,010 lieutenant colonel on had no idea 540 01:02:27,530 --> 01:02:29,530 that becoming commandant . It would 541 01:02:29,530 --> 01:02:32,010 take it to another level . We traveled 542 01:02:32,020 --> 01:02:34,187 with the Blacks everywhere . I made no 543 01:02:34,187 --> 01:02:38,000 decisions . None . Without long one 544 01:02:38,010 --> 01:02:40,530 on one discussions with Sergeant Major 545 01:02:40,540 --> 01:02:44,100 Troy Black . I have been so 546 01:02:44,110 --> 01:02:46,277 blessed Don and I have been so blessed 547 01:02:46,277 --> 01:02:48,166 to know the two of them to become 548 01:02:48,166 --> 01:02:50,879 lifelong friends with them . The Marine 549 01:02:50,889 --> 01:02:53,639 Corps is in great hands , in dismissed 550 01:02:53,649 --> 01:02:56,590 hands and the whole joint force 551 01:02:57,469 --> 01:02:59,709 is in great hands with the senior 552 01:02:59,719 --> 01:03:03,239 enlisted senses and common sense 553 01:03:04,000 --> 01:03:06,167 of Sergeant major , Troy Black and his 554 01:03:06,167 --> 01:03:09,139 wife , Stacey . Every commander has a 555 01:03:09,149 --> 01:03:11,149 phenomenal staff . I was blessed to 556 01:03:11,149 --> 01:03:13,360 have that . And commanders around the 557 01:03:13,370 --> 01:03:16,699 world , you don't need to micromanage 558 01:03:16,709 --> 01:03:18,765 when you have leaders like that . In 559 01:03:18,765 --> 01:03:20,919 fact , the hardest thing to do is try 560 01:03:20,929 --> 01:03:23,659 to keep up , which I probably was not 561 01:03:23,669 --> 01:03:26,780 very successful at . I'm thankful to 562 01:03:26,790 --> 01:03:29,012 everyone at headquarters Marine Corps , 563 01:03:29,012 --> 01:03:31,068 all the deputy commandants , all the 564 01:03:31,068 --> 01:03:33,060 commanders around the world . I'm 565 01:03:33,070 --> 01:03:35,292 grateful for all the marines . I got to 566 01:03:35,292 --> 01:03:37,919 serve alongside . This is a privilege . 567 01:03:39,379 --> 01:03:41,709 All of us who are generals , admirals 568 01:03:41,719 --> 01:03:43,886 know that we could have been sent home 569 01:03:43,886 --> 01:03:46,108 a long time ago and been really happy , 570 01:03:46,340 --> 01:03:48,939 really fulfilled . We live on borrowed 571 01:03:48,949 --> 01:03:52,750 time and we feel like it . I'm grateful 572 01:03:52,760 --> 01:03:54,593 for every single marine I served 573 01:03:54,600 --> 01:03:55,350 alongside 574 01:04:09,060 --> 01:04:11,004 all the former commandants told me 575 01:04:11,004 --> 01:04:13,227 about the fire trucks two blocks up . I 576 01:04:13,227 --> 01:04:15,489 had no idea . You're getting a small 577 01:04:15,500 --> 01:04:19,489 taste of it . Yeah . When you're 578 01:04:19,500 --> 01:04:21,667 the commandant , when you're a general 579 01:04:21,667 --> 01:04:23,833 officer , you have sometimes both Aids 580 01:04:23,833 --> 01:04:25,722 and enlisted aides . We have been 581 01:04:25,722 --> 01:04:27,722 blessed to have both . I won't call 582 01:04:27,722 --> 01:04:29,833 them out by name . We cannot function 583 01:04:29,833 --> 01:04:32,199 without them and they make us and the 584 01:04:32,209 --> 01:04:34,265 Marine Corps and all of our services 585 01:04:34,265 --> 01:04:37,070 look 100% sharp every day , 586 01:04:38,729 --> 01:04:41,620 Donna . This is my soulmate . We have 587 01:04:41,629 --> 01:04:44,520 been married 42 years . She could 588 01:04:44,530 --> 01:04:46,780 certainly trade up . I don't have that 589 01:04:46,790 --> 01:04:50,570 option . We met in 590 01:04:50,580 --> 01:04:53,850 sixth grade and for me , 591 01:04:56,010 --> 01:04:58,699 probably the best reflection of finding 592 01:04:58,709 --> 01:05:00,709 your soul mate and knowing it's the 593 01:05:00,709 --> 01:05:02,876 right one we talked about this earlier 594 01:05:02,876 --> 01:05:05,550 today is when you see your kids raise 595 01:05:05,560 --> 01:05:07,939 their kids , then you know , you did it 596 01:05:07,949 --> 01:05:11,540 right because you just sit back , smile 597 01:05:11,550 --> 01:05:13,550 and know that all those values that 598 01:05:13,550 --> 01:05:15,870 came from my parents . We're down 599 01:05:17,469 --> 01:05:19,636 two levels down and it's really fun to 600 01:05:19,636 --> 01:05:23,110 watch . I love you baked to 601 01:05:23,120 --> 01:05:26,939 dismiss . Everybody says 602 01:05:26,949 --> 01:05:29,370 that at a change of command . I'm 603 01:05:29,379 --> 01:05:31,323 really happy to turn it over to my 604 01:05:31,323 --> 01:05:33,490 friend . I think every single ceremony 605 01:05:33,490 --> 01:05:35,601 we've ever been to . I'm really happy 606 01:05:35,601 --> 01:05:39,030 to turn it over to my friend . We have 607 01:05:39,040 --> 01:05:41,207 gotten to know this myth really well . 608 01:05:41,207 --> 01:05:43,207 In the last 67 years , we knew them 609 01:05:43,207 --> 01:05:45,669 before by reputation . The Marine Corps 610 01:05:45,679 --> 01:05:48,520 is in fantastic hands and I'm with you , 611 01:05:48,530 --> 01:05:51,139 Mr Secretary . We need the Senate to do 612 01:05:51,149 --> 01:05:53,371 their job so that we can have a sitting 613 01:05:53,371 --> 01:05:55,482 commandant disappointed and confirmed 614 01:05:55,830 --> 01:05:58,052 and we need that house to be occupied . 615 01:05:59,020 --> 01:06:01,649 We asked the Senate to do that . I have 616 01:06:01,659 --> 01:06:04,330 tried to be the servant leader that my 617 01:06:04,340 --> 01:06:08,270 mentors coach me to do . That 618 01:06:08,280 --> 01:06:09,149 was my goal . 619 01:06:13,330 --> 01:06:15,620 Every marine is a rifleman . We believe 620 01:06:15,629 --> 01:06:17,851 that in the Marine Corps and I tried my 621 01:06:17,851 --> 01:06:20,018 best to put the riflemen in the center 622 01:06:21,000 --> 01:06:23,520 and 3 11 infantry squad leader in the 623 01:06:23,530 --> 01:06:27,520 center . Every time we all work 624 01:06:27,530 --> 01:06:29,590 for them , we know as marines who we 625 01:06:29,600 --> 01:06:33,050 are tried my best to make sure that the 626 01:06:33,060 --> 01:06:35,530 Marine Corps is ready today and also 627 01:06:35,540 --> 01:06:38,870 ready 5 , 10 years from now and where 628 01:06:38,879 --> 01:06:41,199 we have succeeded . All the credit goes 629 01:06:41,209 --> 01:06:43,376 to all of the marines around the world 630 01:06:43,376 --> 01:06:46,370 who are trying things , experimenting . 631 01:06:47,439 --> 01:06:49,606 They're pushing us into the future and 632 01:06:49,606 --> 01:06:51,828 where we have come up short , that's on 633 01:06:51,828 --> 01:06:53,772 mine , that's on me . They get the 634 01:06:53,772 --> 01:06:56,219 credit as it should be . Always . This 635 01:06:56,229 --> 01:06:59,379 has been the honor of my life , the 636 01:06:59,389 --> 01:07:01,770 privilege of my life for me and Donna 637 01:07:01,780 --> 01:07:04,770 to serve all marines , all families , 638 01:07:04,780 --> 01:07:08,350 all sailors everywhere . Semper Fidelis . 639 01:07:08,370 --> 01:07:09,370 Thank you , 640 01:07:42,179 --> 01:07:44,235 ladies and gentlemen , the assistant 641 01:07:44,235 --> 01:07:46,512 Commandant of the Marine Corps General , 642 01:07:46,512 --> 01:07:47,512 Eric M Smith . 643 01:07:55,699 --> 01:07:57,921 Good morning to everyone and thanks for 644 01:07:57,921 --> 01:08:00,520 being here , Mr Secretary , Mr 645 01:08:00,530 --> 01:08:02,439 Secretary and for all of the 646 01:08:02,449 --> 01:08:05,129 distinguished visitors . Too many to 647 01:08:05,139 --> 01:08:08,399 name . Thank you for taking the time to 648 01:08:08,409 --> 01:08:12,020 honor your marines and to 649 01:08:12,030 --> 01:08:14,290 honor our 38th Commandant 650 01:08:16,160 --> 01:08:19,209 Dave . I can say that now . Uh 651 01:08:20,059 --> 01:08:23,179 and I can also say as the individual 652 01:08:23,188 --> 01:08:25,410 performing the duties of the commandant 653 01:08:25,410 --> 01:08:28,720 on behalf of all marines . We thank you 654 01:08:28,729 --> 01:08:30,970 and Donna for your 42 years of 655 01:08:30,979 --> 01:08:34,859 dedicated , selfless and courageous 656 01:08:34,870 --> 01:08:36,926 service for those who have taken the 657 01:08:36,926 --> 01:08:40,580 time to look at General Berger's medals . 658 01:08:41,680 --> 01:08:45,459 Courage is shown across those 659 01:08:45,470 --> 01:08:47,581 metals and we should take the time to 660 01:08:47,581 --> 01:08:49,526 once again acknowledge the burgers 661 01:08:49,750 --> 01:08:51,694 their entire family and it's a big 662 01:08:51,694 --> 01:08:53,528 family because when you have the 663 01:08:53,528 --> 01:08:55,583 Secretary of the Navy sitting in one 664 01:08:55,583 --> 01:08:57,417 row over because the burgers are 665 01:08:57,417 --> 01:08:59,306 filling up the entire one north . 666 01:08:59,306 --> 01:09:01,528 That's a good day . That's a good day . 667 01:09:01,528 --> 01:09:03,750 So , so Dave and Donna on behalf of all 668 01:09:03,750 --> 01:09:06,729 of us , thank you . We'll get the one 669 01:09:06,740 --> 01:09:09,009 thing out very quickly . If you're 670 01:09:09,020 --> 01:09:11,353 saying , what am I supposed to call you ? 671 01:09:11,419 --> 01:09:15,200 A Mac ? That is my title 672 01:09:15,609 --> 01:09:17,776 and one that I'm proud of . We got the 673 01:09:17,776 --> 01:09:19,887 Acma squad sitting over here . So you 674 01:09:19,887 --> 01:09:22,799 can also say devil dog , Leatherneck 675 01:09:22,810 --> 01:09:25,600 Marine or Trisha's husband . I respond 676 01:09:25,609 --> 01:09:28,439 to all probably most proud of the last . 677 01:09:31,029 --> 01:09:32,862 There are a tremendous number of 678 01:09:32,862 --> 01:09:34,918 supporters of your Marine Corps here 679 01:09:34,918 --> 01:09:37,779 today and all of us appreciate the 680 01:09:37,790 --> 01:09:39,957 support because what you saw today was 681 01:09:39,957 --> 01:09:42,589 an embodiment , a representation of the 682 01:09:42,600 --> 01:09:45,899 more than 200,000 active and reserved 683 01:09:45,910 --> 01:09:47,899 marines who are out there ready , 684 01:09:48,779 --> 01:09:51,629 willing , able and eager , 685 01:09:52,500 --> 01:09:55,200 eager to defend the constitution . So 686 01:09:55,209 --> 01:09:57,709 those young marines that you saw today , 687 01:09:58,049 --> 01:10:01,890 they're 18 , 19 and they are willing to 688 01:10:01,899 --> 01:10:04,529 do anything , everything on your behalf 689 01:10:04,540 --> 01:10:07,370 and they are owed our eternal gratitude . 690 01:10:08,600 --> 01:10:11,410 I will simply say that in the audience 691 01:10:11,419 --> 01:10:13,529 today without going through 692 01:10:14,919 --> 01:10:17,580 everyone . There are examples of our 693 01:10:17,589 --> 01:10:20,950 friends , our partners , our allies and 694 01:10:20,959 --> 01:10:23,070 we have lots of them . I'm looking at 695 01:10:23,070 --> 01:10:25,181 them . All right now . We have lots . 696 01:10:25,220 --> 01:10:27,220 There are also personal examples of 697 01:10:27,220 --> 01:10:29,479 courage , some from our allies and 698 01:10:29,490 --> 01:10:31,490 partners like Colonel Tagus , who's 699 01:10:31,490 --> 01:10:34,029 over here who committed as a battalion 700 01:10:34,040 --> 01:10:36,520 commander from the Georgian infantry to 701 01:10:36,529 --> 01:10:38,979 serve alongside us in Afghanistan lost 702 01:10:38,990 --> 01:10:41,157 both legs and he's here . Alexi , it's 703 01:10:41,157 --> 01:10:43,660 good to have you here because you are 704 01:10:43,669 --> 01:10:45,850 an embodiment of everyone and 705 01:10:45,859 --> 01:10:48,270 everything that we hold dear . We have 706 01:10:48,279 --> 01:10:50,509 people like major Dave Borden who is a 707 01:10:50,520 --> 01:10:53,459 retired marine major who after losing 708 01:10:53,470 --> 01:10:56,020 his right leg at the hip and a good 709 01:10:56,029 --> 01:10:58,689 chunk of his left arm in Iraq two years 710 01:10:58,700 --> 01:11:00,867 in the hospital . And then he deployed 711 01:11:00,867 --> 01:11:04,569 to Afghanistan for a year twice as an 712 01:11:04,580 --> 01:11:07,319 amputee as an infantry officer . So we 713 01:11:07,330 --> 01:11:10,569 are surrounded by individuals like that 714 01:11:10,990 --> 01:11:14,870 and we are so grateful for it . My 715 01:11:14,879 --> 01:11:17,970 own family , my wife Trish representing 716 01:11:17,979 --> 01:11:21,790 the family , she is the better half 717 01:11:23,529 --> 01:11:26,140 the stable rock upon which we build the 718 01:11:26,149 --> 01:11:28,160 foundation . Our Children cannot be 719 01:11:28,169 --> 01:11:30,280 here . Elise and her husband Matt are 720 01:11:30,290 --> 01:11:32,290 down in Houston working , hopefully 721 01:11:32,290 --> 01:11:35,009 paying for my retirement boat . That's 722 01:11:35,020 --> 01:11:37,259 the plan . And our son , Travis and his 723 01:11:37,270 --> 01:11:39,580 wife Hadley are in Texas , burying her 724 01:11:39,589 --> 01:11:42,600 father . He is an American hero , a 725 01:11:42,609 --> 01:11:46,009 firefighter who is currently donating 726 01:11:46,020 --> 01:11:48,131 his organs . So they have to be there 727 01:11:48,131 --> 01:11:50,242 for that . But that's another example 728 01:11:50,242 --> 01:11:52,520 of what real courage looks like to make 729 01:11:52,529 --> 01:11:55,569 sure that there is no confusion . All 730 01:11:55,580 --> 01:11:58,959 orders directives and guidance 731 01:11:59,830 --> 01:12:01,719 which were in effect this morning 732 01:12:01,719 --> 01:12:03,552 remain in effect unless I direct 733 01:12:03,552 --> 01:12:06,069 otherwise , further guidance to the 734 01:12:06,080 --> 01:12:08,569 force will follow . But for the Marines , 735 01:12:08,580 --> 01:12:12,399 I can tell you is this two simultaneous 736 01:12:12,410 --> 01:12:14,939 missions right now continue to 737 01:12:14,950 --> 01:12:17,950 accelerate modernization in preparation 738 01:12:18,049 --> 01:12:20,580 for a peer fight state on state 739 01:12:20,589 --> 01:12:23,000 conflict that we have not seen in our 740 01:12:23,009 --> 01:12:25,709 lifetime while simultaneously 741 01:12:25,939 --> 01:12:28,479 maintaining and continuing to improve 742 01:12:29,220 --> 01:12:32,490 the readiness of our combined arms 743 01:12:32,500 --> 01:12:36,279 global naval crisis response force . 744 01:12:36,290 --> 01:12:38,879 The 26th expeditionary unit will head 745 01:12:38,890 --> 01:12:41,399 out the door as a special operations 746 01:12:41,410 --> 01:12:43,410 cape but we haven't done that in 10 747 01:12:43,410 --> 01:12:45,410 years . That's on your leadership . 748 01:12:45,410 --> 01:12:47,354 General Berger . Those are the two 749 01:12:47,354 --> 01:12:49,466 missions and we do those two missions 750 01:12:49,466 --> 01:12:52,600 by iron clad discipline by strict , 751 01:12:53,049 --> 01:12:54,882 almost ruthless adherence to our 752 01:12:54,882 --> 01:12:57,529 standards . That is what is expected of 753 01:12:57,540 --> 01:13:00,390 all of us for the officers sitting here . 754 01:13:00,399 --> 01:13:02,455 This is the time when we earn ductus 755 01:13:02,455 --> 01:13:05,439 exemplar . It's what is expected of all 756 01:13:05,450 --> 01:13:08,339 of us who are forced to wear black 757 01:13:08,350 --> 01:13:10,517 trousers . And if you don't understand 758 01:13:10,517 --> 01:13:12,850 that I'll do two seconds and explain it . 759 01:13:12,850 --> 01:13:14,961 We don't get to wear black trousers . 760 01:13:14,961 --> 01:13:17,072 If you notice the generals have black 761 01:13:17,072 --> 01:13:19,183 trousers , not blue trousers like the 762 01:13:19,183 --> 01:13:21,294 young enlisted marines , as if it's a 763 01:13:21,294 --> 01:13:23,350 status symbol , it is not , they are 764 01:13:23,350 --> 01:13:25,239 required to wear those trousers . 765 01:13:25,239 --> 01:13:27,350 Because if you look at the old photos 766 01:13:27,350 --> 01:13:29,406 from the 18 hundreds at the end of a 767 01:13:29,406 --> 01:13:31,517 long campaign , especially out West , 768 01:13:31,517 --> 01:13:33,649 everyone started with dark blue 769 01:13:33,660 --> 01:13:36,129 trousers , almost black trousers . By 770 01:13:36,140 --> 01:13:38,307 the end of the campaign when they took 771 01:13:38,307 --> 01:13:40,362 their photo , those who had survived 772 01:13:40,362 --> 01:13:42,307 the campaign , they would have the 773 01:13:42,307 --> 01:13:44,529 general sitting in the front with their 774 01:13:44,529 --> 01:13:46,799 riding boots and their trousers were 775 01:13:46,810 --> 01:13:49,200 still very dark black . But the 776 01:13:49,209 --> 01:13:51,209 troopers who had been out doing the 777 01:13:51,209 --> 01:13:53,320 fighting and the dying their trousers 778 01:13:53,320 --> 01:13:55,487 who had been sun washed , bleached and 779 01:13:55,487 --> 01:13:57,653 faded into a light blue . So every day 780 01:13:57,653 --> 01:13:59,765 that we pull on our black trousers as 781 01:13:59,765 --> 01:14:01,876 general officers , it's a reminder to 782 01:14:01,876 --> 01:14:04,042 be mindful of the orders that we issue 783 01:14:04,060 --> 01:14:06,282 because an 18 year old is going to have 784 01:14:06,282 --> 01:14:08,560 to execute them . So to the general 785 01:14:08,569 --> 01:14:11,049 officers here today , I'll expect and I 786 01:14:11,060 --> 01:14:13,282 know I can count on you leading the way 787 01:14:13,290 --> 01:14:16,470 via ductus exemplar , Mr Secretary , 788 01:14:16,479 --> 01:14:20,350 distinguished guests and to the 789 01:14:20,359 --> 01:14:22,560 Burgers , Dave and Donna . Thank you 790 01:14:22,569 --> 01:14:25,259 very much for all the marines out there . 791 01:14:25,270 --> 01:14:28,069 Continue to march , pick up the pace . 792 01:14:28,080 --> 01:14:30,358 I'll be with you every step of the way . 793 01:14:48,220 --> 01:14:50,331 Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 794 01:14:50,331 --> 01:14:52,553 our ceremony at this time . We ask that 795 01:14:52,553 --> 01:14:54,776 you please remain in your seats for the 796 01:14:54,776 --> 01:14:56,887 departure of the official party after 797 01:14:56,887 --> 01:14:58,942 which a receiving line will open for 798 01:14:58,942 --> 01:15:01,053 General Berger and the reception will 799 01:15:01,053 --> 01:15:00,970 commence in the Marine Family Garden 800 01:15:00,979 --> 01:15:03,419 for General Smith , on behalf of marine 801 01:15:03,430 --> 01:15:05,486 barracks , Washington DC . Thank you 802 01:15:05,486 --> 01:15:07,419 for your attendance and Ellis .