It took a special kind of men and women to build the Marine Raider Association. Men and women who understood their obligation to keep the “Gung Ho” spirit alive, to honor their fallen, and to continue to serve the nation and one another. Descendants of those Raiders continued to work on behalf of the Association because they understood their obligation to honor the work of those who came before them.
Since 2003, new Raiders have taken the field, further burnishing the legacy begun in 1942. Like the WWII Raiders, a new command was begun in a time of war, built while fighting in combat, and is now growing and flourishing. Today’s wars don’t have a definitive end point–one that is agreed to upon the deck of a ship–but the commitment to the fight, to our nation, and to each other is identical to the Marines who fought their way across the South Pacific.
War continues, and the bonds forged at Tulagi, Guadalcanal, Makin Island, the Solomon Islands, New Georgia, Bouganville, Baghdad, Najaf, Helmand, Farah, Herat, Bala Murghab, Africa, the Philippines, Northern Iraq, and beyond are still strong. If you haven’t joined the Marine Raider Association, do so today! If you have joined, come to our annual Reunion, attend a Speaker Forum, or visit Raider displays in Raider Hall at Quantico or the National Museum of the Marine Corps! We continue to build upon the sound foundations laid by the men of the Greatest Generation! Your attendance and support are greatly needed!