U.S. Marine Corps Birthday

The U.S. Marine Corps Birthday, observed annually on November 10th, commemorates the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775, when the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of two battalions of Continental Marines to serve as an amphibious infantry force capable of fighting both at sea and on land. According to enduring Marine Corps lore, the earliest recruitment efforts took place at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, though historical records regarding the exact founding location remain somewhat less definitively documented than the tradition suggests. Like the Continental Navy, the original Marine force was disbanded following the Revolutionary War before being permanently reestablished by Congress in 1798, and the Marine Corps has since developed a distinct institutional culture and identity emphasizing rigorous training, close combat readiness, and rapid deployment capability. Each year, Marine Corps installations worldwide observe the birthday with formal ceremonies rooted in tradition established by Commandant John A. Lejeune in 1921, including the reading of Lejeune's birthday message honoring Marine Corps history and values, along with a formal cake-cutting ceremony in which the first slice is traditionally presented to the oldest Marine present, who then passes it to the youngest Marine, symbolizing the passing of experience and tradition between generations. The U.S. Marine Corps Birthday is celebrated with military balls, ceremonial events, and recognition of Marine Corps history and service.