On November 10, 1775, The United States Marine Corps was founded, with the first recruiting office at Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia.
The Continental Congress authorized the formation of two battalions of Marines to serve as a landing force for the Continental Navy. Initially led by Samuel Nicholas, regarded as the first Commandant, the Marines played a vital role in amphibious operations and shipboard combat. Disbanded after the war, the Corps was re-established in 1798 and grew significantly during conflicts like the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Spanish-American War. The USMC's reputation for toughness and adaptability solidified during World War I with notable battles such as Belleau Wood. During World War II, Marines gained legendary status for their crucial amphibious assaults in the Pacific theater, such as Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal. In the following decades, they continued to serve in Korea, Vietnam, and modern conflicts in the Middle East, becoming synonymous with rapid response and elite expeditionary capabilities. Today, the Marine Corps is an integral part of the U.S. military, known for its motto, “Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”), symbolizing loyalty and commitment. They are also known for the unofficial motto: “Improvise, adapt, and overcome.” It's a mantra that's helped Marines and others through the physical and mental challenges of war. The phrase may have originated from Lone Survivor, a book by former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. It was also popularized by Clint Eastwood's character in the movie Heartbreak Ridge.
Here are two lessons for the modern investor based on the official and unofficial mottos of the USMC:
🦅🌍⚓️Semper Fidelis. Staying committed to a long-term investment strategy is crucial, particularly during market volatility or economic uncertainty. Discipline, patience, and adherence to a well-considered financial plan matter most in how your battles will turn out. Avoid being swayed by short-term market trends or emotional decision-making. Maintaining this commitment can help investors weather challenges, focus on their ultimate financial goals, and take advantage of the long-term growth potential that the markets often offer.
🦅🌍⚓️Improvise, adapt and overcome. And yet, successful investing requires the flexibility to adjust tactics in response to changing economic conditions, unforeseen challenges, and new opportunities. To me, this is the difference between strategy and tactics. Be faithful to your overall strategic plan. However, investors can better manage risks and potential returns by improvising when unexpected events arise, adapting tactics to fit new realities, and overcoming obstacles with resilience. This mindset emphasizes the importance of staying proactive, learning from mistakes, and continuously refining one’s approach to meet long-term financial goals. Just as in life, the ability to adapt ensures that investors are prepared to face and thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.
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