Happy Birthday Marines

ATTENTION "ALL MARINES"

Happy 250th Birthday to

the greatest fighting force ever known to mankind

The United States Marine Corps

Celebrating 250 Years of the United States Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis

On November 10, 2025, we proudly commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a storied institution born in 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. From that humble beginning, the Marine Corps has forged a legacy of courage, honor, and commitment, serving as America’s expeditionary force in readiness across land, sea, and air. This milestone celebrates the Marines’ unwavering dedication to defending freedom and upholding the core principles of honor, courage, and commitment that define what it means to be a Marine.

Founding at Tun Tavern and Early Roles  

The Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the creation of two battalions of Marines to serve as naval infantry. Gathered at Tun Tavern, these early Marines were assigned to U.S. Navy sailing ships, providing security, enforcing discipline, and engaging in combat during boarding actions. Their distinctive leather stock collars, worn to protect against sword slashes, earned them the enduring nickname “Leathernecks,” a badge of pride symbolizing their resilience and tenacity.

A Legacy of Valor Across Conflicts  

The Marine Corps has fought in every major American conflict, embodying adaptability and bravery:  

- Revolutionary War (1775–1783): Marines conducted amphibious operations and shipboard combat, laying the foundation for their expeditionary ethos.  

- Barbary Wars (1801–1815): Marines fought against Barbary Pirates, with Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon earning fame for leading a daring march to capture Derna in 1805, inspiring the “shores of Tripoli” in the Marine Corps Hymn.  

- Spanish-American War (1898): Marines played a key role in seizing Guantanamo Bay, showcasing their amphibious prowess.  

- World War I (1914–1918): Marines earned the nickname “Devil Dogs” from German soldiers at the Battle of Belleau Wood, where their ferocious fighting halted the German advance.  

- World War II (1941–1945): The Pacific Theater defined the Marines’ legacy, with iconic battles like Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi remains a symbol of Marine grit.  

- Korean War (1950–1953): Marines endured the brutal Chosin Reservoir campaign, where their “attack in a different direction” against overwhelming odds became legendary.  

- Vietnam War (1955–1975): Marines fought in intense battles like Khe Sanh and Hue City, adapting to guerrilla warfare.  

- Grenada (1983): Operation Urgent Fury saw Marines swiftly restore order in a rapid amphibious assault.  

- Gulf War (1990–1991): Marines led ground operations, liberating Kuwait with precision.  

- Global War on Terror (2001–present): Marines have been at the forefront in Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency and stabilization missions with unmatched resolve.

Medal of Honor Recipients and Notable Marines  

The Marine Corps boasts numerous Medal of Honor recipients who exemplify selfless heroism:  

- John Basilone earned the Medal of Honor at Guadalcanal for holding off thousands of Japanese troops, later giving his life at Iwo Jima.  

- Daniel Daly, a double Medal of Honor recipient, displayed extraordinary bravery in the Boxer Rebellion and Haiti, famously rallying Marines with “Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?” at Belleau Wood.  

- Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, a Marine pilot and Medal of Honor recipient, led the “Black Sheep” squadron in WWII, downing 28 enemy aircraft.  

These heroes, among others, embody the Marine ethos of sacrifice and leadership.

Women in the Marine Corps  

Women have been integral to the Marine Corps since 1918, when Opha May Johnson became the first female Marine. Initially serving in clerical roles, women Marines broke barriers over time. During WWII, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve contributed significantly to logistics and administration, freeing men for combat. Today, women serve in nearly every role, including combat positions since 2015, with trailblazers like Major Sarah Deal, the first female Marine pilot, and Sergeant Major Angela Maness, the first woman to serve as a senior enlisted advisor for a major Marine command. Their contributions reflect the same courage and commitment as their male counterparts.

U.S. Marine Corporal Megan Leavey who served as a Military Police K-9 handler in Iraq and is known for her bond with her bomb-sniffing dog, Rex. Together, they completed over 100 missions and were both wounded in an IED attack in 2006

Core Principles of a Marine  

The Marine Corps’ motto, Semper Fidelis (“Always Faithful”), encapsulates the values that make a Marine:  

- Honor: Upholding integrity and ethical conduct in all actions.  

- Courage: Facing physical and moral challenges with unwavering resolve.  

- Commitment: Dedication to the mission, Corps, and country above self.  

These principles guide Marines through adversity, forging a brotherhood and sisterhood unmatched in its unity and purpose.

A Proud Legacy, A Bright Future  

As we celebrate 250 years, the Marine Corps remains a beacon of strength, adapting to modern warfare with cyber capabilities, advanced aviation, and expeditionary operations while staying true to its roots. From Tun Tavern to the battlefields of tomorrow, Marines—men and women, Leathernecks and Devil Dogs—continue to answer the call, always faithful, always forward.

Happy 250th Birthday, United States Marine Corps! Semper Fidelis!

Marine Mark Rhodes

USMC. Sgt.

Marketing Director

Detachment 1267.

References:  

- Marine Corps official history: www.marines.mil  

- Medal of Honor records: www.cmohs.org  

- Women in the Marine Corps: www.usmcmuseum.com