When is the Marine Corps Birthday?
As November 10th rolls around United States Marines all over the world will recognize the Marine Corps Birthday.
Now just where was the Marine Corps born?
In a bar. Yes, you heard me right. On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was born in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, the owner and bartender became the first Marine recruiter.
The connection between a bar and the Marines very ironic, and underlying meaning not lost on this Marine Mom. Any Marine would LOVE this USMC t-shirt that rocks the birthplace of the Marines.
It seems only fitting the roughest, toughest, braggadocios fighting force in the world was born in a bar. You can still eat and drink at Tun Tavern, just not the original building. The replica Tun Tavern is located at the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico Virginia.
But back to why the Marines celebrate this birthday is celebrated more than any other United States branch of the military.
As a Marine Mom, I notice an increased reverence and respect not only with my sons but from total strangers who tell me thank you for their service.
Why Is the Marine Corps Birthday Special to Marines?
My sons would be the first to say they aren’t doing anything special. But, what is special is the history, tradition, and honor of serving in the Marine Corps. Marines are often called arrogant, prideful, and the best self-promoters in the military.
Tell that to a Marine and they will say “Hell Yeah!” After being a Marine Mom for over ten years I’ve learned a little about the USMC culture and I agree.
“The United States Marine Corps is different from the other branches, they have a right to be proud of their heritage, history, and culture”
Once a Marine Always a Marine
I recently read a Facebook post from Marine Moe Thomas who “dressed down” an Army soldier and tried to insult the USMC because he was tired of their “arrogance.”
I will translate this into a Marine Mom perspective. But, if you would like to read the statement directly from a Marine head over to the One Marines View page.
What Makes Marines Special?
What makes Marines special is an elusive quality of Esprit De Corps. The fact that as individual Marines, they feel that they are not one, but part of a bigger unit that moves as one, a Corps. When a Marine puts on the uniform, hears the Hymn, or goes into battle, they are going with every other Marine who has ever worn the uniform.
They stand behind every Marine who fought during the birth of our nation. They learn in boot camp, and reminded throughout their career, that they follow a tradition of Marines who fought in WWI.
They gave birth to the legend of the “Teufel Hunden”, or “Devil Dogs”. They stand and represent Marines who took Iwo and Tarawa and countless other blood soaked islands throughout the Pacific.
The legend of the “Frozen Chosin” and beloved Chesty Puller, Marines who battled at Hue City and Khe Sanh, and the muddy rice paddies of South East Asia are precursors of Marines of the future and battles fought in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom and now, are fighting in Afghanistan.
Like real brothers, their blood courses through our veins, and then we go into battle, they would rather lay down their lives than be a disappointment to the men and women who went before them. They carry a legacy, their deaths, and their honor which carries with them the rest of their lives.
The Marines Corps uniform doesn’t come off when active duty is over. Inactive and retired Marines where the symbol daily in our attitude, and our love of Corps and country.
They wear it on tattoos and bumper stickers. They wear it in their hearts. It’s why, no matter where we are in the world, on November 10th, every Marine celebrates the Marine Corps birthday.
It’s why they will never be an army of one. It’s why they never stop being Marines. It’s why, for most of them, being a Marine isn’t something they were. It’s something they are. It’s the most important part of who and what we are. Some say they’re arrogant.
A Marine will say they are proud. They have a right to be proud. They are the United States Marines. The most feared and ferocious group of warriors to walk the face of this earth.
When Americas’ enemies formulate their battle plans, they plan on going around Marine units, because they know damn well that they can’t go through them. Marines are what other branches wish they were.
They are the modern-day Spartans. This isn’t bragging. It’s written in the battle history of our country.
When there’s a parade and the Marines march by, everyone pays a little more attention. Some say “arrogance”. The Marines and their Mothers call it “pride”. It’s why, in a crowd of servicemen, you can always spot the Marine.
Why are Marines special? I don’t know. We just are.”
By the way, any Marine would LOVE the USMC wood art plaque above. If you have a Marine recruiter it would look fantastic over their desk.
Visiting the Marine Corps Museum
If you ever need to learn why the Marine is special then visit the USMC National Museum.
My biggest honor was visiting the National Marine Corps Museum with my son on my birthday. We spent two days immersed in not only Marine history, but American, World, and Military History.
The bravery, guts, and out and out “can do” attitude of the Marines, doing what others said couldn’t be done, going where other branches would go, and not giving up is a trait of the United States Marine Corps.
I stayed on a Navy and Marine base, at the guest hotel, and when colors played I stepped out of my room, stood silently and watched every Marine, every car, and every person stop where they were in respect for the flag, tradition, and country.
It may not mean much to some, but this Marine Moms heart swelled as I heard my son casually greet another Marine on the sidewalk with Semper Fi. Always Faithful, a small reminder to another Marine they represent a brotherhood that will last a lifetime.
I’m proud of my sons and I’m proud of the United States Marine Corps.
Happy Birthday, Marines! Have a great ball, celebrate, and yes, stand a little taller and be a little arrogant. You deserve it!
As you walk through each historical exhibit they get more and more engaging from the cold of Chosin Pass to the heat and chopper sounds of Vietnam. It is a truly an experience. Throughout our visit we encountered Marines of every age, and veterans of many wars. I witnessed exchanges between my son and these veterans which warmed my heart and made this Mom smile with pride. The respect and honor is very apparent and I feel privileged I got to experience this with my son.
