MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY

The United States Marine Corps (OORAH) was officially established on November 10, 1775, with the approval of the Continental Congress. Its rich history is marked by countless acts of valor and heroism in defense of the nation’s interests at home and abroad. In 1921, Maj. Gen. John Lejeune, then Commandant of the Marine Corps, released?a memo?establishing Nov. 10, 1775, as the official birthday of the service.?Lejune wrote on Nov. 1, 1921:?“On Nov. 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.”

?Lejeune’s message cemented Nov. 10 as the Marine Corps birthday and served as the first message from the Commandant to the Corps on its birthday.?The traditional message has continued in the future and now has a place in every Marine Corps ball ceremony.?A Mameluke sword is used to cut the cake, and the first few pieces are distributed in a very specific order. The first piece of cake is given to the Guest of Honor; the second piece goes to the oldest Marine present; and the third slice is handed to the youngest Marine present.

?Marine?Code Talkers?helped secure victory over Japan during World War II by?creating an unbreakable code?based on the complex Navajo language.

?German soldiers nicknamed Marines “Teufel Hunden,” or “Devil Dogs,” after their heroic fighting on the battlefields of France in 1918.