HistoryAtState

World War I: The @StateDept asks for Marines as diplomatic couriers. Armed Marines in civilian clothes escort every sack of diplomatic and confidential dispatches between the U.S. and American missions across Europe.

history.state.gov/departmenthist…

Before Commodore Perry's mission to open relations with Japan, Marines rehearsed their drill on the U.S. Capitol lawn. In 1854, they performed it for Japan's commissioners, who praised their "soldierly air." Japan's reply: a troupe of sumo wrestlers.

history.state.gov/departmenthist…

1778: Diplomat John Adams sails to forge a French alliance. When the Boston meets a heavily armed British ship, Adams is ordered below deck. When it surrenders, the captain finds him with the Marines, musket in hand: "I ought to do my share of fighting."

history.state.gov/departmenthist…

No permanent allies. No permanent enemies. Only permanent interests. President George Washington’s Sept. 19, 1796, Farewell Address, published in newspapers across the country, made the case for American independence above all else in foreign affairs. Washington promoted the idea that the United States should not have permanent allies or enemies on the international stage, only permanent interests, with the goal of preserving American independence.

#USHistory #ForeignPolicy

Since 1775, Marines and U.S. diplomats have served side by side, from protecting envoys at sea to guarding embassies worldwide. As George Shultz, Marine veteran and Secretary of State, put it: "Strength and diplomacy go together. They need each other."

history.state.gov/departmenthist…