The United States Marine Corps Birthday is observed annually on November 10.
The United States Marine Corps, a branch of the United States Armed Forces, is responsible for providing power protection from the sea using the mobility of the United States Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. The Continental Congress first established the Continental Marines on November 10, 1975, leading up to the American Revolution. Two battalions of Marines fought for independence both on land and at sea.
The birth of the U.S. Marine Corps began as a way to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.
The Corps was abolished at the end of the Revolutionary War. However, on July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps, named it the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy.
The USMC shares many resources with the other branches of the United States military. However, the Corps has sought to maintain its own identity with regards to mission, funding and assets while utilizing the support available from the larger military branches. While the Marine Corps does have fewer installations than other branches, many Army posts, Naval stations and Air Force bases have a Marine presence.
In his birthday greeting more than 70 years ago, General Alexander Vandegrift, our 18th Commandant noted that "A birthday is a fitting time to peer backward – and forward." That year, Marines reflected on an extraordinary year in combat during their amphibious drive across the Pacific. Despite the challenges and the horrific conditions, Marines prevailed at Guam, Saipan, and Peleliu. On 10 November 1944, Marines looked back with pride on their accomplishment – confident in their ability to meet future challenges.
Shown in the photo is Tom Love performing the POW/MIA Table Ceremony at the MO Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, Missouri.
