Happy 243rd Birthday, USMC!

Today marks the 243rd birthday of the founding of the United States Marine Corps at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Even though I come from an Army family, I recognize the role that the Marines have played in protecting our country here and abroad.

Below is the Commandant of the Marine Corp's birthday message. So to all my friends, new and old, who served wearing the globe and anchor, Semper Fi!




Mentioned in the Commandant's message is Gunny Sgt. John Canley who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership during the Battle of Hue'. If you'd like to know more about his actions as well as the actions of all the Marines who fought to retake Hue', I'd urge you to read Mark Bowden's book Hue' 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam. The hardback is available on Amazon at deep discount ($8.90 as of this posting) which is actually cheaper than the paperback.

Happy 238th Birthday, USMC

On this, the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, I'd like to offer my thanks to all Marines, present or past, for their service.Semper Fi!

And what would be better for Devil Dogs seeking adventure and travel than to ride a leopard jaguar.

And in a more serious vein, here is the Commandant's Birthday Message which salutes the men and women of the US Marine Corps and their service to our nation. I do notice Gen. Amos still uses the knife hand to get his message across.

Happy 237th, US Marine Corps

On this, the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, I'd like to offer my thanks to all Marines, present or past, for their service.Semper Fi!

And an earlier recruiting poster which offers "congenial employment" as  "soliders of the sea".

Happy 236th, US Marine Corps

Today marks the 236th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

The tradition of celebrating the Marine Corps' birthday started with Maj. Gen. John J. Lejeune in 1921 when he issued Marine Corps Order No. 47 (Series 1921). That was, in essence, the first Commandant's Message celebrating the founding of the Marine Corps.

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt.

(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and is the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

John A. Lejeune,
Major General Commandant

This year's Commandant's Message from Marine Commandant James F. Amos is a little bit more technologically advanced. Nonetheless, it celebrates the spirit of the Marine Corps over its 236 year history.

Semper Fi!