The United States Marine Corps guard the gates of heaven?

Question

Gramps,

Since the USMC is the greatest fighting force God ever placed on this earth. Not to mention the Marine Corps hymn talks about Marines guarding the gates of heaven. Why hasn’t the Church preached more about this?

Josh

Answer

Dear Josh,

Oorah!!

The reason it isn’t preached about more is that it is not doctrinal.  There is nothing in our doctrine that states the United States Marine Corps is the greatest fighting force that God placed upon the earth.

“From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles
On the land as on the sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.

Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev’ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines

Here’s health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.”

While the words to the Marine Corps hymn are inspiring, it still is not doctrine.

I tend to think that Teancum was the commander of the first elite fighting force of the Book of Mormon.  Do you think Teancum and his men are guarding the gates of Heaven?  I can believe it.

I thank you for your service.

Semper Fi!

Gramps