When is the United States Marine Corps Birthday?
The United States Marine Corps birthday is one of the most celebrated milestones in the history of the Marine Corps. This date marks the anniversary of the founding of the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775. On this day, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" to serve as naval infantry, providing protection and support to the American Revolutionary War effort.
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History of the Continental Marines
The Continental Marines were born out of the need for a specialized force that could operate alongside the naval ships of the Continental Navy. The Continental Navy was facing off against the British Royal Navy, and the Marines were tasked with providing shore defense, conducting amphibious raids, and capturing strategic fortifications.
The Commandant’s Birthday Ball
The tradition of celebrating the Marine Corps birthday, which is now known as the Commandant’s Birthday Ball, dates back to 1921. That year, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General John A. Lejeune, issued an order establishing the tradition of an annual birthday celebration.
"On the birthday of our Corps, which falls on November 10, 1775, and in honor of all true Marines who have, throughout our history, proved that the spirit of liberty which has made our country greater than any other can still be maintained and advanced; I hereby direct that every year on November 10th, the day in which our Corps was first established, a parade, with review, of Marine Corps units, accompanied by appropriate ceremonies, will be held at each Post and Station, and on December 24th, our traditional birthday ball, where we will honor the achievements of our Corps, cherish the memories of those who have gone before us, and look forward to a future filled with pride, honor, and patriotism."
The Celebrations Today
Today, the United States Marine Corps celebrates its birthday with parades, ceremonies, and parties held at Marine Corps bases, stations, and embassies around the world. The celebrations typically include a cake-cutting ceremony, where the oldest Marine on duty and the youngest Marine on duty cut a piece of cake together.
- Cake Cutting Ceremony: The cake-cutting ceremony is a time-honored tradition that dates back to 1925. The oldest Marine on duty and the youngest Marine on duty cut a piece of cake together, symbolizing the passing of knowledge, experience, and responsibility from one generation to the next.
- Review: The review is a part of the birthday celebration that involves a parade, drill, and inspection of the Marine Corps units.
- Birthday Ball: The birthday ball is a formal dinner and dance party where Marines and their families can come together to celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is November 10th a paid holiday for Marines? No, November 10th is not a paid holiday for Marines.
- Do all Marines participate in the birthday celebration? While not all Marines participate in the birthday celebration, many units and commands choose to hold their own events and ceremonies to commemorate the occasion.
- How do Marines celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps in deployment? Marines who are deployed often celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps in a more low-key fashion, with small gatherings, cake-cutting ceremonies, and other activities that pay tribute to the traditions and heritage of the Corps.
Conclusion
The birthday of the United States Marine Corps is a time to reflect on the history and traditions of the Corps, as well as the values and principles that guide our actions. It is a time to honor those who have served before us and to look forward to the future with pride and determination.
Table: The History of the Marine Corps Birthday
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 10, 1775 | Continental Marines established |
| 1921 | Commandant’s Birthday Ball established |
| 1925 | Cake-cutting ceremony introduced |
| Today | Parades, ceremonies, and parties held worldwide |
Bullets list:
• What is the Marine Corps birthday?: The birthday of the United States Marine Corps is celebrated on November 10th, the date on which the Continental Marines were established in 1775.
• How is the Marine Corps birthday celebrated?: The Marine Corps birthday is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and parties held at Marine Corps bases, stations, and embassies around the world.
• What is the cake-cutting ceremony?: The cake-cutting ceremony is a time-honored tradition that dates back to 1925. It involves the oldest Marine on duty and the youngest Marine on duty cutting a piece of cake together.
• What is the purpose of the Marine Corps birthday celebration?: The Marine Corps birthday celebration is a time to reflect on the history and traditions of the Corps, as well as the values and principles that guide our actions. It is a time to honor those who have served before us and to look forward to the future with pride and determination.
