Happy Birthday Marines!

Every United States Marine has two birthdays: the day of their birth, and the Marine Corps Birthday.

Tun Tavern, November 10, 1775

The United States Marine Corps celebrates its birthday on November 10, which commemorates the day in 1775 when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines to serve as an infantry unit aboard naval vessels and to protect naval forces during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress’s decree called for two battalions of Marines to be raised, setting the stage for the Marines’ longstanding tradition of being among the first to fight in U.S. conflicts​​​.

The Marine Corps was born in a Philadelphia tavern called Tun Tavern, where the first recruiting drive was led by Capt. Samuel Nicholas. This location is now celebrated as the birthplace of the Marines​.

The Marine Corps birthday holds great significance for Marines because it embodies the pride, honor, and esprit de corps that is deeply ingrained in the Marine identity. Celebrating the birthday is a reverent tradition that not only honors the establishment of the Marine Corps but also pays homage to the storied history and traditions of the Corps. Here are some reasons why it is particularly important:

1. Heritage and Tradition: The annual celebration is a reminder of the rich heritage and the steadfast customs that have been passed down through generations of Marines.
2. Esprit de Corps: It strengthens the bond among Marines, fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity that is central to the Marine Corps ethos. “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” this phrase encapsulates the lifelong bond that is celebrated on this day.
3. Remembrance: It serves as a day of reflection and remembrance for the sacrifices of Marines who have served before, honoring those who have fought and those who have fallen in the line of duty.
4. Renewed Commitment: Marines renew their commitment to the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as to the mission of the Corps and the welfare of their fellow Marines.
5. Continuity: The birthday links current and former Marines to their shared legacy. Regardless of generation, the celebration unites Marines from all eras in their common identity and mission.
6. Morale: The celebration is a morale booster, offering a break from the demanding duties of being a Marine and providing an opportunity for festivity and camaraderie.
7. Recognition: It is a day when the service and dedication of the Marine Corps are recognized by the broader public, reinforcing the important role that the Marines play in national security and global presence.

In essence, the Marine Corps birthday is a symbol of everything the Marines stand for, a time-honored tradition that celebrates the history, values, and memories of those who have served and continue to serve within its ranks.

The Marine Corps Ball

The official celebration of the Marine Corps’ birthday is the Marine Corps Ball.

The Marine Corps Ball is a storied event filled with tradition and celebration, deeply significant to Marines. The Ball is celebrated worldwide by Marines, symbolizing the esprit de corps of the most loyal, feared, revered, and professional fighting force in existence​.

Some enduring traditions of the Ball include:

1. Ceremonial Opening: The Ball usually begins with a ceremonial opening which includes the presentation of colors and the playing of the national anthem, setting a patriotic and formal tone for the event.
2. Reading from the Scroll: A Marine reads a brief history of the Marine Corps creation from a scroll. This reading is done aloud for all attendees to hear, often detailing the establishment of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775, and its significance​.
3. Cake Cutting with a Sword: Symbolic of Marine Corps tradition, the birthday cake is cut with a ceremonial sword. The first piece of cake is given to the guest of honor, the second piece to the oldest Marine present, and the third to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the passing of knowledge and tradition from the oldest to the youngest members of the Corps​.
4. Guest Speaker: A distinguished guest often speaks at the Ball, offering remarks on the Marine Corps’ history, its values, and its contributions to the country and the world.
5. Commandant’s Birthday Message: The Ball includes the showing of the Commandant of the Marine Corps birthday message, which addresses the state of the Corps and often provides motivation and direction for the future.
6. Reading of Gen. John A. Lejeune’s Birthday Message: One of the key moments is the reading of the 13th Commandant Gen. John A. Lejeune’s birthday message, which is a tradition that links the celebrations to the past and emphasizes the continuity of Marine Corps values​.
7. Birthday Ball Pageant: In some instances, there may be a pageant that includes Marines dressed in historical uniforms to represent the evolution of the Marine uniform and the Corps throughout the years.
8. Dancing and Socializing: After the formal ceremonies, the Ball typically transitions to a more relaxed atmosphere with music, dancing, and socializing, allowing Marines and their guests to celebrate the camaraderie and brotherhood of the Corps.

These traditions are not just ceremonial; they’re a renewal of each Marine’s commitment to the ethos and spirit of the Marine Corps, serving to honor those who have served before and to inspire those who will carry the legacy forward.

The first organized Marine Corps Birthday Ball took place in Philadelphia in 1921. The event was a formal affair that included a three-course meal and speeches, marking the beginning of what would become a cherished annual tradition​.

The Marine Corps Ball is not just a celebration, but also a reflection of where the Marine Corps started and where it is now, providing a glimpse into the past, present, and future of the Corps. It celebrates the many sacrifices made by Marines from the Revolutionary War to the present day, thus reinforcing the pride Marines have in their service and the importance of the Ball to Marine Corps culture​.

Happy Birthday, and Semper Fi!