Semper Fi. Do or die. The credo of every United States Marine - from the moment they set foot on boot camp and for all days to follow. Not all civilians truly understand its meaning...but for these uniquely elite warriors, it's their way. Colonel Ernest Govea, the Marine Corps Camp Blaz commanding officer, told KUAM News, "It means everything to us. It's build into our DNA. We're selfless servant of the U.S. Marine Corps. When the nation calls and when the bell is rung, we're ready to go. So we're determined to meet all expectations of a United States Marine by following our standards and being a disciplined force, and being the most lethal war-fighters in the world."

The branch of the armed forces celebrates its 248th anniversary on Friday, so Marines from Camp Blaz in Dededo ran between significant spots around Guam to commemorate the history of their beloved Corps.

At the Marine Monument at the War in the Pacific Park in Asan, Colonel Govea continued, "We are running 248 miles across Guam. We started down in Agat where the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed as part of the liberation of Guam back on July 21, 1944. And here, this is hallowed ground. The 3rd Marine Division landed, as well at Asan Beach to help support and defend the island.

"And so what it means to us is our dedication, our determination, our willing spirit as fighting Marines are here today to celebrate our birthday and our traditions, our core values. They're so important to us. And we're looking forward to continuing our run up to Camp Blaz."

The character that bonds them is rare. They have a genuine desire to do whatever it takes to protect, to defend and to get the job done.

Senior enlisted leader for the camp Sergeant Major Daniel Soto explained the devotion of all Marines, saying, "The Marines is not just employment. It's not. To me, and to everyone who embraces the Marine Corps concept, the Marine Corps becomes a lifestyle. And when it is a lifestyle, you do everything to the very best of your ability."

He added, "We take pride in what we do. And as Marines not just here on Guam but throughout the nation, whenever you see a Marine, just know that all Marines are working hard – training and upholding our standards – and we want our nation to now that we're here for them."

So they ran. They did so proudly bearing their flag, with the scarlet, gray and gold flying high for passing Guamanians to see, and the Marines  repeatedly sounding-off.  They did so honoring their oath, supporting their brothers-in-arms and paving the path for those who will answer the call as they did.  

Colonel Govea said, "Marines have been here on Guam since the end of the Spanish-American War. We are part of Guam – that 'One Guam' feeling. And it's so vital that our Marines remember those who went before us. I thank them everyday for the service that they provide to Guam and to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and we're also looking at our future generation of Marines – how we're recruiting that next generation of Marines to be part of this great legacy we call the Marine Corps."

Guam maintains our strong relationship with the Corps, forever in their debt for forging island history nearly eight decades ago, and becoming members of our island family.

"We thank them for being here," proudly noted Dededo mayor Melissa Savares, whose village houses the installation. We are excited and a lot of them are our family, and we've all got uncles and grandfathers who served as Marines. So we're just happy to have them here and we welcome them home."

And following one of their most-cherished traditions on their anniversary, renewing every Marine's commitment to their duty, the oldest on-base Marine ceremoniously passed a piece of celebratory cake to the youngest serviceman  - symbolizing the passing of knowledge, responsibility, trust, leadership, professionalism, brotherhood, and above all, honor.

Robert Ledyard, the senior Marine, a former warrant officer associated with the Marines for over 40 years and who passed the first piece of cake, said it's with pride that he helped "pass on our traditions from one Marine to another and from generation to generation. I've been a part of it for a long time."

So for everything you've done for our country and our island, for the duty you  carry out daily, and for the tasks you someday may be called upon to perform, we all thank you. Un dangkulu na si yu'os ma'ase and congratulations, Marines.

Happy 248th birthday to the Corps.