250 years of excellence, the United States Marine Corps, Semper Fi

Today, November 10, 2025 is the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. On this date November 10, 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps was founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia when the Continental Congress ordered the creation of two battalions of U.S. Marines to serve both at sea and on land.

Led by Captain Samuel Nicholas, the first commissioned officer of the Continental Marines, these early soldiers quickly proved their value and established a fierce reputation for discipline and courage that has endured for 250 years. After the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Marine Corps was disbanded for 15 years. However, the group was reestablished by Congress on July 11, 1798. For many years, this date was quietly recognized as the Corps’ anniversary.

That all changed in 1921. Major Edwin North McClellan, who led the Corps’ early historical division, proposed restoring November 10 as the official U.S. Marine Corps birthday — the date the original Continental Marines were formed in 1775. Commandant John A. Lejeune approved the idea, and since then, the U.S. Marine Corps has proudly celebrated November 10 as their official birthday.

In honor of my Corps, I present the 250th Birthday Message from the Commandant

  

 

10 November 2025A 
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

             Two hundred and fifty years ago, before our Nation declared its independence, a small group of men gathered in Philadelphia and formed a Corps of Marines. From that moment, our story has been bound to the story of America itself. A quarter of a millennium later, Marines remain at the center of our Nation's defense. Ready to fight, ready to win, and ready to uphold the trust placed in us since 1775.
             Across centuries, Marines have fought on distant shores and in desperate battles, earning a reputation for discipline, toughness, and valor. From the Revolution to the World Wars, from Chapultepec to today's operations across the globe, every generation has proven worthy of the title Marine. They secured liberty, defended allies, and carried forward the promise of a free Nation, and a free world. We are the heirs of that legacy, and we are its stewards.
             This anniversary reminds us that our standards are the foundation of our Corps. Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not abstractions, but the code that binds us to one another and to all who went before. Every Marine, in every clime and place, must hold true to these values. The conflicts ahead will demand nothing less.
             I could not be prouder of the Marines I see serving today. At home, at sea, and across the globe, you carry forward our proud traditions with skill and ferocity. It is your discipline, initiative, and fighting spirit that anchor our Corps. The battles of the next 250 years will challenge us in new ways, but I have no doubt we will prevail. Happy Birthday Marines! 

From me to my brother and sister Marines, AD, Retired, or not, "Thank you" for being there.

-ab

1970-1973 0311 

Happy Birthday Marines!

Today, Marines celebrate the 248th birthday of our beloved Corps. The history of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) begins with the founding of the Continental Marines at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia on 10 November 1775. The United States Marine Corps has served in nearly every conflict in United States history.

 

Here is the 248th Birthday Message from the Commandant...

10 November 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

             For 248 years, Marines have earned a reputation as the most disciplined and lethal warfighters in the world. This legacy of honor, courage, and commitment passed on to us was paid for in sweat, blood, and sacrifice. From Belleau Wood to Inchon and Tarawa to Sangin, Marines have stepped forward to defend our Constitution when others either could not or would not. Our history is filled with heroes like Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel "Woody" Williams, Private First Class Hector Cafferata Jr., Sergeant Major Dan Daly, and thousands of others who performed acts of bravery which went unseen in the heat of battle. We stand on the shoulders of these Marines, and we owe it to them to earn our title "Marine" each and every day.

             Marines have given, and have been willing to give, their lives for Country and Corps in every fight our Nation has entered. Our actions turned back the tide of tyranny in Europe during the Great War, defeated fascism in Asia during World War II, fought for democracy in Korea and Vietnam, and offered the hope of self-determination in the Middle East. We go to war whenever our Nation calls, and in the interwar periods we train, we prepare, and we innovate. We have chosen a life of service and sacrifice — an honorable life that has meaning. We sacrifice so our fellow citizens don't have to, and we seek nothing in return but a chance to be first to fight. Most will never understand why we choose to attack when others do not, why we revel in being covered in mud, why we snap to attention when "The Marines' Hymn" is played, or why we say, "Ooh Rah." We understand it, and this message is for us, for the Marines.

             As Marines, we live on a war footing because someone must. This means that we ruthlessly adhere to our standards of excellence — Marine standards — as we know this will best prepare us for the wars of the future. Our high standards are a prerequisite of professional warfighting, and how we keep our honor clean in the cauldron of combat. They prepare us for the most difficult mission there is: fighting from and returning to the sea. Most importantly they shape our unique Marine culture which is respected at home and across the globe.

             Sergeant Major Ruiz and I are proud of all that you have done this past year to protect and enhance our reputation as America's best warriors. We hope you know that we will be with you every step of the way as we prepare for the fights ahead. We ask that every Marine - active, reserve, and veteran - honor the legacy of those who went before us by continuing to uphold our high standards.

             Protect your fellow Marines and our shared legacy. Happy Birthday Marines!

 

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No longer green, not as mean, not as lean, but still a Marine. 

Semper Fi Marines,

-ab