General George C. Marshall, Jr., is being honored today on what would have been his 145th birthday. Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Marshall was recognized for his leadership and dedication to the United States during World War II.
Marshall graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1901 and began his career as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He became chief of staff of the U.S. Army during World War II and played a key role in expanding and leading American forces to victory against the Axis powers.
Following the war, Marshall served as Secretary of State and later as Secretary of Defense under President Harry Truman. He is credited with developing the "Marshall Plan," an initiative that supported European recovery after World War II. The plan helped prevent economic collapse and limited communist influence in Europe. For these efforts, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.
The statement issued by the Administration said: "Today, we celebrate the birthday of General George C. Marshall, Jr., an American titan whose bold leadership, strategic brilliance, and unceasing devotion to freedom helped save our Nation—and the entire world—from the forces of evil, tyranny, and ruin during the Second World War."
The message also reflected on Marshall's upbringing: "General Marshall was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, where from a young age his father instilled in him the noble values of honesty, integrity, and duty—virtues he embodied throughout his life." It further stated: "He rose to prominence in the military during World War II, where he served as chief of staff of the United States Army and played an indispensable role in securing victory for the Allies."
Highlighting postwar achievements: "After the war, he cemented his legacy as a world-renowned diplomat...where he was chief architect of 'the Marshall Plan,' a monumental initiative for postwar European recovery on America’s terms." The statement continued: "This heroic vision solidified America’s global leadership and saved Europe from economic collapse and communist takeover."
On current policies inspired by Marshall’s example: "Today, my Administration is proudly carrying forth General Marshall’s incredible legacy...restoring a foreign policy of peace through strength and rebuilding our Nation’s military." The message concluded with a commitment to continue this approach: "As President, I will continue to put American lives, interests, and values first—and I will never stop working to achieve a future free from war."
The Administration reaffirmed its dedication to upholding General Marshall's ideals by stating: "Above all, we recommit to his vision of global peace and prosperity...and we pledge to continue to lead the world with righteous moral clarity and unwavering resolve."
