U.S.M.C. 233rd Birthday

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps!

A little background for those of you that don't know much about this auspicious birthday:

During the American Revolution, many important political discussions took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia, including the founding of the Marine Corps.

A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore.

The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines.

As the first order of business, Samuel Nicholas became Commandant of the newly formed Marines. Tun Tavern’s owner and popular patriot, Robert Mullan, became his first captain and recruiter. They began gathering support and were ready for action by early 1776.

In 1921, Marine Gen. John A. Lejeune issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921 that directed the history, traditions and mission of the Marine Corps to be read to all Marines on Nov. 10 to honor the service's creation. And in 1925, the first formal Marine Corps Birthday Ball was held in Philadelphia.

The celebrations were formalized and standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952, outlining the cake cutting ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, republished every year, as well as a message from the current Commandant, and often includes a banquet and dancing if possible. In many cases, the birthday celebration will also include a pageant of current and historical Marine Corps uniforms, as a reminder of the history of the Corps. Marines are reputed to celebrate the birthday, regardless of where they may be in the world, even in austere environments or combat.

Each year, the Marine Corps marks November 10th with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these men and thousands since to defend our country as United States Marines.

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Obviously the Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated in our home. Kent usually calls those Marine Corps friends he is still in contact with to wish them a "Happy Birthday" and we have a special dinner. Last year the girls and I started a tradition of taking a treat plate to the homes in the area who also fly a Marine Corps flag. Just a little something to let them know we are thinking of them on their special day.

It is a very introspective day for me. I know there are so many Marines around the world fighting for my freedoms and celebrating this day in less than ideal conditions and my heart goes out to them and their families. Yet, I feel so grateful my Marine is home, safe and celebrating the day with us.

Happy Birthday Marines! May God protect and bless you, wherever you may be!