Marine Corps Birthday

The Marine Corps Birthday is a holiday marked by courage and bold deeds, celebrated each year on November 10. Established in 1921 by the U.S. government, it expresses gratitude to everyone who has served in the Marine Corps. These brave service members have protected the freedom, independence, and security of the United States since its very beginning.

History

The Marine Corps Birthday commemorates the founding of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775, when it was established as the Continental Marines to provide security for the new Continental Fleet and intercept a crucial ammunition shipment from Britain. The first commander, Samuel Nicholas, initially planned for only 2,100 Marines, but the numbers quickly grew alongside the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disbanded but revived in 1794 to help demonstrate America’s presence at sea and defend against pirates. In 1798, the U.S. Navy was officially separated as a distinct military unit, and the Marine Corps was formally established on July 11.

Interesting Facts

• One of the original tasks considered for the Continental Marines was the annexation of Scotland, though this never took place.
• The Marine Corps was briefly disbanded after the Revolutionary War and revived by Congress in 1794 along with the Navy.
• The iconic Marine Corps War Memorial, located between Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., depicts Marines raising the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
• Today, the Marine Corps consists of approximately 186,000 active personnel and 38,500 reservists.

How to Take Part

To celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, you can visit the Marine Corps War Memorial or participate in commemorative events. You can also write a thank-you post on social media to express your respect and appreciation for the service and sacrifices of Marines, both past and present.

When is Marine Corps Birthday in 2025?

Marine Corps Birthday is observed on November 10 each year.

Observations