WEBVTT

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- What I'd really like to acknowledge,

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and congratulate all of the competitors,

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win or lose that made
the decision to sign up

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and show up in this
event because we all know

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it takes a special type of person

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to have the courage to come out
to the center of these mats,

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put their toe on the line,
and put it all on the line.

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So, I'd like to congratulate everyone

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who competed in this Championships,
my hats are off to you.

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- My name is Sargent Raymond Bunker.

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I joined the Marine Corps to be a Marine.

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I was given the opportunity,

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and I fulfilled the opportunity,

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and I earned my spot in this program.

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It's that can do go get it sprit,

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that never give up fight til the end,

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that's what Marines do
we fight to the end.

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So, Wrestlers and Marines,

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we have this in common,
that fighting spirit.

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- We know from experience

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that when there are Marines
at our events in uniform,

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everyone on the event
floor raises their level

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of behavior, their attention,
and just level of respect

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for the event and the competition.

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It's a tremendous partnership,

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that we couldn't do it
today with any other group.

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Wrestlers inherently
understand the sacrifice

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that men and women in uniform
make for this country,

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and they feel a kindred spirit

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because Wrestling is
such a sacrificial sport,

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and so many similarities
between what Wrestlers do,

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and what Marines have to go through.

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So, when the see someone
in uniform walk up

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to them a Marine presenting a trophy;

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That's a tremendous honor for them

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to be recognized by someone in uniform.