Today, November 10th, our illustrious United States Marine Corps celebrates its 233rd birthday (1775-2008). I'm taking this time to wish all of my fellow Marines -- present, former, retired and those who have answered their final roll call -- a happy birthday... and Semper Fi.
As we celebrate the 233rd birthday of the Corps, please keep in mind that many of our young Marines, men and women, are serving in overseas locations, and some in harm's way. Please keep these Leathernecks in your thoughts and prayers.
On Tuesday, November 11th, we will honor all of our veterans. No matter which branch of service, we are all brothers and sisters in arms, and serve our country and service with pride, no matter the sacrifice. Bless all of our young men and women in harm's way and all veterans who have served their country with honor.
History of the US Marines
On November 10th, 1775, the US Marine Corps was founded by the Continental Congress at Tun Tavern, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Since that date Marines have been in uninterrupted service to our country for 233 years and have distinguished themselves "in every clime and place" in such far off lands and on distant remote beaches "from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli", in France at Belleau Wood, on the infamous Iwo Jima and throughout the Pacific islands, at Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, at Khe Sanh and Hue City in Vietnam, and now throughout Iraq in such outposts as Fallujah and the Anbar Province, and in Afghanistan.
Marines historically have heroically, without hesitation, answered our country's call never faltering in their dedication. "Semper Fidelis" ("Always Faithful") is our motto and "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" our creed.
On this special day, I raise a toast to those Marines, past and present, who have risked their lives for their country and I will especially never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; their memory bolsters my faith in our youth, our steadfast values, and our blessed nation.
Famous Marines you may know...
Many famous Americans, such as the composer John Philip Sousa who directed the United States Marine Band for 13 years, have served in the Marine Corps. Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza, is a Marine. In politics, Democrat pundit James Carville, Secretary of the Navy and U.S. Senator Jim Webb, Senator Zell Miller and military analysts Anthony Zinni, Joseph Hoar and Bernard E. Trainor are Marines.
Donald P. Bellisario the creator of Quantum Leap, Magnum P.I., JAG and N.C.I.S. is a veteran Marine. Baseball Hall of Fame members Tom Seaver, Ted Williams, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Eddie Collins, and Bill Veeck all served in the Marines. Professional boxer Barney Ross served in the Marines, and so did former heavyweight champions Gene Tunney, Ken Norton & Leon Spinks. Football coach Vince Dooley served as well.
Six astronauts, including Senator John Glenn, Charles F. Bolden, Jr., "Story" Musgrave, and Fred Haise, are Marine aviators. Several have succeeded in the entertainment industry, including Drew Carey, actors Steve McQueen, Tyrone Power, Don Adams, Gene Hackman, Harvey Keitel, Lee Marvin and talk show host Steve Wilkos.
Reggae musician Orville Burrell (Shaggy), former Ramones member Christopher Joseph Ward (C. J. Ramone), and classic rock singers the Everly Brothers all served in the Corps.
R. Lee Ermey and (surprisingly to some) comedian Jonathan Winters were both Marine drill instructors prior to their renown. Oliver North is a veteran Marine, implicated in covert military actions not specifically authorized by Congress. Smedley Butler received two Medal of Honor awards and spoke out against war profiteers once he retired in War is a Racket. And these are just a few of a much larger list.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine...
The philosophy of "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" has led to the objection to the use of the term "former Marine" or "ex-Marine," leading to a myriad of forms of address for those no longer on active duty:
- Veteran Marine can refer to anyone who has been discharged from the Corps.
- Prior-service Marine is also appropriate.
- Retired Marine refers to those who have completed twenty or more years of service and formally retired.
- Sir or Ma'am is appropriate out of respect.
- Jarhead is only appropriate between Marines as a term of comradeship.
According to one of the "Commandant's White letters" from Commandant Alfred M. Gray, Jr., referring to a Marine by their last earned rank is appropriate.
Birthday Celebration
Traditionally, the first piece of Birthday cake is presented to the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the youngest Marine present. When and where this tradition began remains unknown. Some records indicate this practice, and others vary it depending on the dignitaries present at the ball. First pieces of cake have been presented to newlyweds, the Secretary of the Navy, governors, and others, but generally speaking, the first pieces of cake go to the oldest and youngest Marines at the ball.
At present, celebrations of the Marine Corps Birthday differ at posts and stations throughout the Corps. All commemorations include the reading of Marine Corps Order No. 47, and the Commandant's message to those assembled. Most commands sponsor a Birthday Ball of some sort, complete with pageant and cake ceremony as prescribed in the Marine Corps Manual.
Like the Corps itself, the Birthday Ball developed from simple origins to become the polished, professional function that all Marines commemorate on 10 November around the world.
Happy Birthday, Marines... Semper Fi.
