Posted on 11/10/2023 5:22:06 AM PST by Red Badger
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
On November 10th, The United States Marine Corps Birthday commemorates the establishment of the Continental Marines.
#MarineCorpsBirthday
The United States Marine Corps, a branch of the United States Armed Forces, is responsible for providing power protection from the sea. They use the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. The Continental Congress first established the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775, leading up to the American Revolution. Two battalions of Marines fought for independence both on land and at sea.
The birth of the U.S. Marine Corps began as a way to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.
The Corps was abolished at the end of the Revolutionary War. However, on July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps. Congress named it the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.
Marine Corps Presence
The USMC shares many resources with the other branches of the United States military. However, the Corps has sought to maintain its own identity with regards to mission, funding, and assets while utilizing the support available from the larger military branches. Despite having fewer installations than other branches, the Marine Corps maintains a presence on many Army posts, Naval stations, and Air Force bases.
In his birthday greeting more than 70 years ago, General Alexander Vandegrift, our 18th Commandant noted that “A birthday is a fitting time to peer backward – and forward.” That year, Marines reflected on an extraordinary year in combat during their amphibious drive across the Pacific. Despite the challenges and the horrific conditions, Marines prevailed at Guam, Saipan, and Peleliu. On 10 November 1944, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishment – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
In 2004, 20,000 Marines deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq – many Marines celebrated the birthday in places like Fallujah, Ramadi, and Al Qaim while decisively engaged in combat. That year, Marines also responded to the crisis in the Pacific following a tsunami claiming the lives of more than 200,000 people. On 10 November 2004, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishments – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
Some things change. Marines adapt. Their organization, training, and equipment change to the operating environment. However, some things remain the same. Marines continue to attack challenges with the same courage, commitment, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and adaptability as their predecessors in Peleliu and Fallujah. On 10 November 2014, Marines looked back with pride on our accomplishments- confident in our ability to meet future challenges.
HOW TO OBSERVE MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY
If you know a Marine, thank them for their service. Attend Marine Corps Birthday celebrations. Use #MarineCorpsBirthday to post on social media.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY HISTORY
In 1921, General John Archer Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, initiated the tradition of publishing a reminder of honorable service to all Marine commands on the anniversary of the Corps' birth.
Since then, the United States Marine Corps members have honored the establishment of their military branch every year by republishing General Lejeune's reminder. Gradually, they added balls and banquets to the birthday celebration.
The first formal dance took place in 1923 at the Ft. Mifflin Marine Barracks in Pennsylvania. Other events include mock battles, sporting events, and races.
In 1925, the historic Benjamin Franklin Hotel hosted the first formal Marine Ball. The ball honored the 150th birthday of the Marine Corp. General Lejeune and Secretary of War Dwight Davis attended.
Commandant, General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. brought even more tradition to the warriors, always faithful and always loyal to each other, their country and their traditions. Beginning in 1952, the formal cake cutting ceremony began. During the ceremony, the first piece goes to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest. This tradition is still practiced today.
Marine Corps FAQ
Q. What does Semper Fidelis mean?
A. Semper Fidelis is Latin meaning "Always Faithful."
Q. What does "oorah" mean?
A. "Oorah" is a battle cry associated with the United States Marine Corps.
Q. What's a devil dog?
A. During World War I, the legend goes that German soldiers took to calling U.S. Marines “devil dogs” for their tenacity. In 1918, a U.S. recruiting poster headlined with the phrase Teufel Hunden put the story into full circulation across the country. Although the German expression was rare and oddly worded, and its source blurry at best, the nickname took a firm hold.
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Being celebrated at libraries across the nation in Drag Queen Story Hour events. /s
Happy Birthday.
Semper Fi.
‘88-94.
And yet, they call Marines “crayon eaters”
And none of them are surprised you know that.
LOL!!!!!
To all my brother Marines, past and present, Happy Birthday to the Corps. May it always thrive. Hoist a glass today to honor them.
Where are you, Chesty Puller? The Corps needs you.
Semper fi
Do or Die
Semper Fidelis. Once a Marine always a Marine.
Happy birthday and Semper Fi to all of my Marine brothers and sisters.
Plt 236 Parris Island 19 Jun 1965
Happy Birthday.
Semper Fi.
‘73 - ‘77..................
Happy birthday and Semper Fi to all of my Marine brothers and sisters.
Plt 329 Parris Island, Graduated 01 July 1973
Happy Birthday
Simper Fi
57-65
Alexander Basil Matthews (November 21, 1942 – September 22, 2018) was an American actor and singer best known for his appearance as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in the James Cameron film Aliens (1986).
He worked with James Cameron to make sure that the actors who played Marines acted like a real Marine Corps.
Matthews was a member of the United States Marine Corps who graduated at Parris Island on 25 May 1966, and served during the Vietnam War. On his website, he stated:
"I spent six years in the United States Marine Corps; I hold thirteen combat awards and decorations, including two purple hearts. I was the first black Marine in the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam to be meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant; I served with Kilo Battery, Fourth Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, of that I am very proud."
I miss you most on this day and June 16th, John George Southall. When I arrived there you took me under your wing and showed me the ropes. I’ll never forget what you did for me. When I get up There, we’ll fire up our old Harley Panheads and go for a nice long ride in the Kansas Flinthills, the Kawhills. Say a prayer for me sometime Johnny. Semper Fi Marine, Tommy.
Oorah!
Happy Birthday, Bro!
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