The US Marine Corps birthday is a United States holiday celebrated on the 10th of November every year. The ceremony includes a traditional ball (a big dance party) and a cake-cutting ceremony. On Nov 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines with this official legal order:
That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines.
Marine Corps decree of 1775
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Tun Tavern is known as the birthplace of the US Marine Corps birthday. On Nov 10, 1775, the first US Marines enlisted under Captain Samuel Nicholas, the Continental Marine’s first commissioned officer. Many experts consider a recruiting drive to probably have occurred at the Conestoga Wagon, known at that time as the Nicholas family tavern.
The US Marine Corps played an important role in the American Revolution, protecting the nation from British occupancy. They would soon temporarily be phased out of existence but would re-emerge a few years later to continue domination on international battlefields such as France and Santo Domingo, as well as combatting piracy at the Shores of Tripoli.
Disestablishment and Re-establishment
In April 1783, when the Revolutionary War ended thanks to the Treaty of Paris, the Continental Navy and the Continental Marines were disestablished. The Marine Corps was re-established on July 11, 1798, when President John Adams signed the act for officially establishing and organizing the US Marine Corps. Hereafter, the Marine Corps continued to build up its ranks and have been instrumental in hundreds of battle victories, the war on terrorism, as well as assisting with domestic emergencies such as 911, wildfires, and hurricanes.
Today’s Marine Corps stands ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantly fought and died at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sanh. Combining a long and proud heritage of faithful service to the nation and its citizens, the Corps’ resolve to face the challenges of tomorrow will continue to keep the US Marine Corps functioning and universally regarded as the “best of the best.” Don’t forget to thank your local veterans this United State Marine Corps birthday and again tomorrow, on Veterans Day. They have either fought for your freedom and American lifestyle, protected your family from a national disaster, or they soon will.