5 interesting facts about the Marine Corps birthday

Tim Kirkpatrick
Updated onNov 8, 2023 7:40 AM PST
2 minute read
Marines marching on marine corps birthday.

Marines marching on marine corps birthday.

SUMMARY

The Marine Corps birthday is a prized and celebrated tradition throughout the Corps. Here’s a few facts about the Marine Corps birthday.

For glorious years, the Marine Corps has courageously fought in every clime and place where they could take a rifle. Known for being "the first to fight," the Corps was born in a small brewery in the city of brotherly love called Tun Tavern on November 10th, 1775. On that day, two battalions of American Marines were created and would be known as the fiercest fighting force the world has ever seen.

The Marine Corps birthday is a prized and celebrated tradition throughout the Corps, regardless of where it's celebrated. Let's look at a few facts about the Marine Corps birthday you may not know about.

Here are 5 interesting facts about the Marine Corps birthday

1. First to be commissioned

Captain Samuel Nichols was commissioned as the first Marine officer by the Second Continental Congress on November 5th, 1775, but he wasn't confirmed in writing until November 28th, 1775.  Soon after, Nicholas took office setting up a recruiting station at Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the Corps.

The roster.

History of the United States Marine Corps by Richard Strader Collum

There isn't an official record of the first enlisted Marine, though. Imagine that.

2. Did somebody say cake?

During the cake cutting ceremony every Marine Corps birthday, the first three pieces are presented to the guest of honor, the oldest living Marine present, and the third is handed to the youngest Marine present — a perfect way to display brotherhood and connection. This tradition is also part of the Marine Corp birthday celebration on the battlefield if possible.

There's even a formatted script to maintain uniformity.

Happy Birthday Marine!

3. Marine Corps Order 47

Prior to 1921, the Marine Corps celebrated its birthday on July 11th. It wasn't changed until after Maj. Edwin North McClellan sent Commandant John A. Lejeune a memorandum requesting the original November 10th date be declared as a Marine Corps holiday.

4. The Corps has two birthdays?

It's true!

A lesser know fact is the Marine Corps was disbanded in 1783 after the Revolutionary War and didn't exist for 15 years. It would make its return on July 11th, 1798, and brand its self as the Corps we've come to know today.

5. You could take a celeb to the Ball

Let's face it; it's your best shot.

Service members have made it a trend and a mission to go on social media to ask their favorite celeb crushes to escort them to the once a year birthday bash. It works for some people.

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