HAPPY 94th BIRTHDAY TO OUR FIGHTING 5th MARINES!

THE FOLLOWING IS A COPY OF AN EMAIL SENT TO THE DANA POINT 5th MAR SUPPORT GROUP... WE WANTED TO SHARE THIS WITH ALL OUR SUPPORTERS:

Today, JUNE 8, 2011, the Fighting Fifth Marines celebrates 94 years of illustrious history. 

The unit was activated on 8 June, 1917 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and would be designated as the Fifth Marine Regiment.  The Regiment would later sailed to France and the rest would be history.  Today our Regiment is the Corps' most decorated infantry regiment.  Please reference the attachment for just some of the regiment's exploits.
 
 This morning the Headquarters Company of the Regiment will celebrate with a Cake Cutting Ceremony and reflect on it's pass, current operations and future endeavors.  The traditional cake cutting will recognize the oldest Marine Sergeant Major Ernest Hoopii and the youngest Marine, PFC Ricardo Medina, upon it's completion the Company will depart for the field as it prepares for it's future deployment to Afghanistan.
 
During it's deployment to Afghanistan, the 5th Marine Regiment will operate in the southern Helmand province while the 6th Marine Regiment will operate in the Northern Helmand province.  The two Regiments will occupy the same battle space for the first time since Operation Iraqi Freedom.  During the two Regiment's year long deployment, 1/5, 2/4, 2/5, 1/6, 2/6 and 3/6 will being operating in Afghanistan as well, making 2011 and 2012 the first time since World War I that the Regiments have been on the same battle ground.  Please pass the word, exchange your Battalion's history and photos with your Marines and sailors.

Semper Fi and Happy Birthday!

Sergeant Major Ernest K. Hoopii, Sergeant Major