The legacy of the United States Marine Corps was born on November 10, 1775, when Congress commissioned Robert Mullan, the proprietor of Tun Tavern, located on Philadelphia’s historic waterfront to raise the first two battalions of Marines, under the leadership of Samuel Nicholas, the first appointed Commandant of the Continental Marines. The U.S. Marines have been the first branch of the armed forces to serve in every war since that day, and have mounted over 300 assaults on foreign shores, from the arctic to the tropics. - excerpt from the usmarinesbirthplace.com.
U.S. Marine Corps celebrates 235 years of service
By Joe Newby
Spokane Conservative Examiner
Today, November 10, 2010, marks the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
The Continental Marines was formed by an act of the Continental Congress in 1775 at Philadelphia's Tun Tavern. The original act called for two battalions of Marines to serve aboard ships during the Revolutionary War.
Samuel Nicholas was named the first Commandant of the Corps, and Robert Mullan, owner of the Tun Tavern, was named the first Captain and recruiter for the newly-formed service.
Since then, Marines have distinguished themselves around the world.
At the beginning of the 19th Century, Marines were instrumental in winning America's first foreign war against the Barbary Pirates.
Marine Lt. Presley O'Bannon raised the American flag for the first time over foreign soil at the Battle of Derne. In gratitude for his service, he was presented with the Mameluke sword, which became an official part of the Marine officer's uniform in 1825 and is still carried by Marine officers today.
In 1847, Marines fought in the Mexican-American War, and stormed the fortress at Chapultepec - also known as the "Halls of Montezuma".
Those two battles are memorialized in the first line of the Marine Corps Hymn - "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli..."
During World War I, Marines fought the Germans in France. In 1918, they faced the Germans just outside Paris, France, in a place called Belleau Wood. After suffering heavy casualties and running low on grenades and ammunition, the Marines fixed bayonets and assaulted the German positions. After twenty days of intense fighting, the Marines prevailed. German survivors of the assault nicknamed the Marines "Teufelhunden", or "Devil Dogs". Marines to this day refer to themselves as Devil Dogs with pride.
Marines served with distinction during World War 2, defeating the Japanese on island after island in some of the most intense combat recorded in military history. The most recognizable image of the Corps is the raising of the flag at Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima.
They also served in Korea, Vietnam, and in conflicts around the world with the same dedication and distinction.
Shortly after the 1983 Beirut bombing, General Paul X. Kelley, then Commandant of the Marine Corps, visited a wounded Marine in the hospital. After shaking the General's hand, he scribbled the phrase "Semper Fi" on a piece of paper. It was his way of saying “Semper Fidelis.” - the Marine Corps motto, which means "Always Faithful". The General became emotional over this display and asked, "Lord, where do we get such men?" The incident was picked up by the press, and the phrase "Semper Fi" is now used as a greeting between Marines - although older Marines remember the phrase a bit differently.
Today, Marines are serving in trouble spots around the world fighting the global War on Terror, and they still serve aboard ships and provide security for American embassies worldwide.
Becoming a Marine is no easy task. Recruits must undergo an intense 12-week training program that includes basic infantry training, including bayonet and rifle skills. Recruits are not allowed to use personal pronouns such as "I", or "you". Every minute of every day in a recruit's life is mapped out and overseen by highly skilled and professional drill instructors.
The reason for this training is simple - every Marine, regardless of his or her primary job, or MOS, is a basic combat rifleman. When the enemy comes "over the hill", he does not differentiate between infantry and administrative clerks.
During recruit training, potential Marines are taught leadership, discipline and learn to work together as a team. This training culminates in a grueling 54-hour course known as "the Crucible."
Those who complete the course are then presented with the signature emblem - the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor - of the Corps. At that time, they have earned the title, Marine.
That title does not go away, even after one has completed his or her tour of duty in the Corps. There is no such thing as an "Ex-Marine", or even a "former Marine". There is a saying - "Once a Marine, always a Marine". Those who have served still remain part of the family known as the Marine Corps.
If you know a Marine - shake his or her hand and wish him or her a Happy Birthday.
Semper Fi, Marines! Carry on!
The Marine Corps Hymn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm-3y17uuJU
Lyrics:
We fight our country’s battles in the air, on land, and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.
Our flag’s unfurl’d to every breeze from the dawn to setting sun; we have fought in every clime and place where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes,you will find us always on the job the United States Marines.
If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines!
Articles from the Marine Corps Code of Conduct:
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.Once a Marine, Always a Marine: This truism was adopted as the official motto of the Marine Corps League. The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps Master Sergeant, Paul Woyshner. During a barroom argument he shouted, “Once a Marine, always a Marine!” MSgt. Woyshner was right. Once the title “U.S. Marine” has been earned, it is retained. There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines. There are (1) active duty Marines, (2) retired Marines, (3) reserve Marines, and (4) Marine veterans. Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life. - excerpt from the usmarinesbirthplace.com. For more great information about the U.S. Marine Corps, please visit their site!!
Here is another website link to read more about today, November 10, 2010 United States Marines 235th Birthday! I hope you enjoy!
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978683177
I just want to say:
Happy 235th Birthday United States Marine Corps! Thanks for all that you do to protect and serve the American people! Much love and respect! God bless America and the USA Marines! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Semper Fi, Marines!
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