The USMC actually does have higher recruiting standards, so they actually are more intelligent. Intelligence is correlated with symmetrical facial features and those are often viewed as more attractive.
The thirteen horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with the red stripe being at the top and bottom. The thirteen stripes symbolize the thirteen British colonies that gained independence from Great Britain in 1776 and were the founding states of the US. Of the red, white and blue colors white signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.
I'd say that we should make them permanently regret everything that allowed it to happen and everything about the day, right down to the very number of thirteen itself.